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Observing 2009 Parliamentary Elections

After Syria’s withdrawal, Lebanon endured three years of civil strife and political instability that came to a head in May 2008, when militia clashes killed 60 people. Faced with growing unrest, key leaders negotiated an end to the political deadlock. 

• The Doha Agreement laid the groundwork for the reconvening of Parliament and the Cabinet of Ministers, the election of a president, the consideration of electoral reforms, and an agreement to hold parliamentary elections in 2009. 

• Â鶹¹ú²ú deployed long-term election observers in March 2009. 

Our Methods 

• A delegation of 60 short-term observers from 23 countries monitored voting, counting, and tabulation processes at 350 polling stations in all districts. 

Impacts 

• The Center commended the Lebanese people and officials for the successful conduct of the parliamentary elections, with the results accepted by both the governing and opposition coalitions. 

• Though the process fell short of meeting all of Lebanon’s international commitments â€” most notably the need to protect ballot secrecy â€”voting was conducted with enhanced transparency and in accordance with the country’s new consensual electoral law and regulations. 

This project ended in 2009.