Naharnet

Mashnouq Says May Elections Historic as Candidate Registration Opens

Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq noted Monday that the May parliamentary elections will be “unprecedented” in Lebanon's history, as the ministry started receiving candidate nominations.

In a statement marking the opening of registration, the minister called on those who will take part in electoral campaigns to “show a spirit of national responsibility and endorse a rhetoric based on rationality, moderation and respect of the other opinion.”

And urging women to “turn out heavily in terms of nominations and voting so that they prove their electoral weight and enhance their national role,” Mashnouq said the electoral process will be “special.”

“It does not resemble the previous elections in the history of the Lebanese republic, ever since the State of Greater Lebanon was declared around 100 years ago,” the minister added.

He explained that the polls are unprecedented “not only because they come after nine years of waiting and several term extensions, but also because they are part of an unprecedented modernization and improvement process.”

Moreover, the minister noted that the elections will be characterized by several new elements: the new electoral law which for the first time in Lebanon's history will be based on proportional representation; expat voting; and the inclusion of civil society representatives among the ranks of the Electoral Supervisory Commission.

He also reassured that “the elections will be held on time and this is a firm, definite and irreversible commitment.”

“Lebanon is on the correct democratic track,” Mashnouq added.

Source: Naharnet


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