Voter’s Education, the key to free and fair elections:

Voter's education is an important part on political and democratic integrity and independence. Voter education can have decisive impact this way. With the upcoming elections, Lebanese voters need to understand their political rights both under the current electoral law as well as the current political and economic situation, so they are able to responsibly fulfil their democratic right and obligation - without any pressure being exercised by any party or entity. Voter education serves to clarify all the questions raised by voters prior to election day. Moreover, it ensures that voters are well-informed, ready to exercise their political rights, and therefore will be fully engaged in the electoral process prior to and during the election day. Another main objective for voter education is to show that taking part in (the upcoming) elections is essential to voters as it guarantees democracy and the rule of law, and therewith stability and prosperity in the country.

Voter education usually provides information about the electoral process and why voting is important. While it should be an integral part of the larger civic education, voter education is only found to a very small degree in Lebanon. Ultimately, further voter education can help build the foundation towards a stronger democratic culture.

Please see the following videos for more information on the subject:

The importance of the electoral program and its reflection on the election results:

Electoral Programs are considered pivotal in elections, especially parliamentary elections. The electoral program is a contract which includes clauses that the candidate is bound by during his representation of citizens in the parliament. Democracies are based on competition through programs that simulate the interests and aspirations of citizens in politics, economy, culture, security and other matters. The electoral program differs from regular promises, as it has specific goals and a specific timeframe, as well as financing mechanisms. Voters in most democratic countries give great importance to electoral programs, and many studies and publications examine electoral programs and their impact on the electoral mood.

There are political messages and promises in Lebanon, but no actual programs directed towards the voters with clear plans, projects with clear objectives, deadlines for implementation, and other conditions that must be met by electoral programs.

In this context, kindly check below a research paper tackling all aspects of electoral programs and their impact on the voter’s choices, along with an informative video on the subject:

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