Following the invitation by the Lebanese authorities, the European Union is deploying an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Lebanon to observe the Parliamentary elections, due to take place on 6 May 2018. The European Union has a long-term commitment to supporting credible, transparent and inclusive elections in the country. The EU has already observed elections in Lebanon in 2005 and 2009.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, has appointed Elena Valenciano, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission to Lebanon.

High Representative and Vice President Federica Mogherini stated:

“These elections, the first in almost a decade and with an increased number of female candidates, will be key for the future of Lebanon. A newly elected parliament will steer the many reforms that the country is about to undertake.

Lebanon can count on the friendship and strong support of the European Union and of the international community. Its stability and economic growth are key for the entire region and for the European Union.

Under the leadership of Chief Observer Elena Valenciano, I am confident that the EU EOM will make an important contribution to this electoral process”.

Elena Valenciano declared: “I feel honoured to lead the EU Election Observation Mission to Lebanon. These elections will be held under a new electoral framework approved in 2017, and are an opportunity to strengthen Lebanon’s democracy with EU support. Previous EU EOM reporting and recommendations have proved to be an important incentive for political consensus among Lebanon’s political parties and some have been integrated in the new law. I am confident that the 2018 EU EOM will provide an appreciated contribution to enhancing further the quality of the electoral process.”

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Press Release

Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon