Daily Star - LADE announces plans to monitor municipal polls, 20 April 2012

BEIRUT: The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections announced Thursday that it would monitor municipal by-elections scheduled for May 6, while Interior Minister Marwan Charbel issued a ministerial decision that included a set of regulations for civil society groups monitoring the polls.

The association said a hotline, 70-601-217, was ready to receive complaints from citizens and candidates on violations they encounter during the electoral process. It also issued suggestions for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

“Lebanon is one of only four countries that do not use pre-printed ballots,” said the association’s vice president, Randa Antoun.

The voting age in 201 countries is 18, while Lebanese can vote at 21, she added.

The guidelines from the Interior Ministry include respecting laws on the electoral process, maintaining integrity and objectivity while observing, and presenting a ministry-issued observation permit IDs when asked to do so. The municipal by-elections will take place in 57 municipalities. 

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2012/Apr-20/170805-lade-announces-plans-to-monitor-municipal-polls.ashx#axzz1sUeP5gAA