The Political Finance Framework in Lebanon

Introduction

This analysis focuses on the political finance regulatory system that was put in place in Lebanon through the 2008 Parliamentary Election Law, and which was first applied in relation to the 7 June 2009 Parliamentary elections. The purpose is to analyse the system that has been introduced, to identify possible difficulties and to make recommendations for improvements in advance of future elections.

Money is an unavoidable part of politics and elections. Money is the means through which political parties and candidates can reach the electorate with their message, through media advertisements, posters, rallies and door to door campaigning. However, money can also serve to skew the political process so that election results do not reflect the wishes of the voters. These are some of the main problems with the role that money may play in politics;