Crisis over Lebanon’s electoral law will intensify
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Significance
The country’s various sectarian groupings have been unable to agree on a new electoral law in time for polls due on May 21. After the failure of a last-ditch committee of cabinet ministers formed on April 10 to reach a compromise, parliament was due to debate a motion to extend its mandate for a third time since its election in 2009. This would have ignited massive popular protests.
Impacts
- Elections will now face further delays, which could become indefinite.
- Either constitutional vacuum or parliament renewing its own mandate would likely mobilise broad popular street protests.
- Prolonged uncertainty could strengthen Hezbollah’s ability to operate without oversight as an actor independent of the Lebanese state.
Related articles
Stay up to date
Sign up to the Expert Daily Briefings email alert and receive up-to-the-minute analysis of global events as they happen.
*If your university does not have access to Expert Briefings, visit our information page to find out more.