VOTE

Lebanon is currently grappling with one of the most severe economic recessions witnessed in the past 150 years. However, voters harbor a prevailing sentiment that their ballots will scarcely yield any impact, and that elections are unlikely to bring about substantial change. Adding to the complexity, the 2017 election law is relatively novel and intricate. Many voters continue to struggle with comprehending the intricacies of the voting procedures and the electoral system. This is particularly true for the ballots featuring lists that mirror sectarian quotas within each constituency, coupled with the option for a preferential vote for individual candidates.

Vote2020 explains how the electoral law in Lebanon shifted from being majoritarian to proportional. In the new electoral law, the proportionality effect is distorted in diverse ways related to the number of voters and seats in each electoral districts, the sectarian quotas, and the preferential vote. The program therefore covers key issues related to elections such as: electoral lists, preferential voting, pre- printed ballots, inside the voting station, electoral threshold, and white papers. Furthermore, how to vote in 10 Steps and a simulation of elections winners and losers are performed.

Through voting, citizens gain the prerogative to exact accountability from their chosen representatives, particularly vital given Lebanon’s dire economic recession. Notably, the impending parliamentary session holds the potential to enact critical laws such as capital controls and haircut on bank deposits. Consequently, the imperative lies in each individual’s participation in the electoral process, to select a representative that would act in the best interest of the population. Ultimately, these elections furnish citizens with an exceptional opportunity to oversee and ensure the judicious and responsible use of public resources. By casting their votes, individuals contribute substantively to shaping the trajectory of Lebanon and ensuring effective and transparent governance.