LADE demands vote reforms, timely polls

Campaigners maintained pressure on lawmakers to hold timely and fair municipal elections, stressing reform to voting law “should not be taken lightly.”

The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE), in a statement released in response to Interior Minister Ziad Baroud’s comments concerning electoral reform, reiterated its insistence that municipal elections not be delayed.

“There is still a chance, with some determination, to hold the elections on time,” the statement said.

“Parliament has to approve a draft law for municipal elections within the legal deadlines that allow the polls to be held on time, all the while enforcing the proposed reforms,” it added.

Baroud, who has been meeting with civil society activists for several months concerning this year’s municipal elections, said Tuesday that while he was personally keen to see the vote conducted on time, it was impossible to foresee what amendments – if any – would be made to electoral law.

“Tying organizing the elections with the approval of reforms is a decision to be taken by Parliament,” Baroud said.