The roundtable explored the importance of free elections in a democratic society and aimed at discussing tangible recommendations that can ensure the protection of freedom of participation, equal representation, and access to information in Lebanon’s 2022 Parliamentary Elections.

Ms. Layal Sakr, Lawyer and Executive Director of SEEDS for Legal Initiatives, held welcome and opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of voter participation and raising the voter’s awareness, the power and possibility of change as well as the importance of exercising the right to vote, as stipulated in the Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in article (25).

Following, Mr. Philipp Bremer, Director of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Rule of Law Programme Middle East & North Africa, introduced the audience to the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, its main objectives, and programs in Lebanon and the region. He also highlighted the significance of elections in a country's democracy as a means of increasing legitimacy and accountability. Finally, Mr. Bremer urged the audience to not doubt the conduct of elections, in particular in Lebanon during 2022: “Elections shouldn’t be doubted. Doubt spreads. Doubt sinks in. Instead, if we believe in them, fight for them, act on them, it is much harder to postpone or cancel them. Elections, to the best of our ability and actions, should be self-evident, without doubt, natural. Of course they will happen.”

The first panel: “Best Practices for Democratizing Elections” discussed the Right to Vote; the Current Electoral Law; new Political Groups and Opportunities for Change; Transparency and Accountability.

The second panel: “Participation and Representation of Women, Youths and Marginalized Groups” discussed Women’s Quota and Intersectionality of Women’s Rights; Lebanon and International Commitments regarding Women Rights; Participation and Representation of PWDs; Engaging the Youths; Participation and Representation of LGBTIQ Persons.

The third panel: “The Role of the Media” discussed Alternative Media and Elections; the Role of Broadcast Networks in Balanced Coverage; Engagement Tools in the Digital Age; Engaging the Lebanese Diaspora via Social Media.

All panels were moderated the journalist Roula Najem Abou Mrad, and debated with experts and representatives from the field: Mr. Ali Sleem from LADE; Ms. Diana Menhem and Dr. Ali Mourad from Koulouna Irada; Laury Haytayan from Takadoum; and Ms. Layal Sakr of SEEDS for Legal Initatives. Ms. Myriam Sfeir, AIW/LAU; Verena El-Amil, MADA; Jad Shahrour, Skeyes; Hussein Al-Sharif, Maharat; Cynthia Chidiac, UN Women/NCLW, Alia Ibrahim Daraj and Nizar Awad, Oxfam.

All panels were followed by a discussion and Q & A.