| Legal Framework |
|---|
| Electoral Law | 11 July 1996 Last updated : 08.10.2008 |
| Mode of designation | directly elected 128 |
| Constituencies | 26 multi-member constituencies |
| Voting system | Majority: Majority system in one round using the block vote (each voter may cast as many votes as the number of MPs elected from each constituency). Voters may either write the names of candidates on a blank piece of paper provided at the polling station or bring with them a prepared ballot, which already contains the names of the candidates, having taken into account the pre-established distribution of seats among the religious communities. The candidate(s) who win(s) the highest number of votes for each religious community is/are declared elected. Vacancies arising between general elections are filled through by-elections within 60 days, unless the vacancy occurs within six months of the end of the term of parliament. Voting is not compulsory. |
| Voter requirements | - Age: 21 years or over as at 30 March of the election year - Lebanese citizenship by birth Naturalized citizens are entitled to vote ten years after the naturalization decree is issued. This clause does not apply to foreign women who acquire Lebanese citizenship by marrying a Lebanese citizen. - There is no residence requirement. Disqualifications: - Persons deprived of civil rights or of the right to hold a certain rank or public office - Persons convicted for a felony or major offences - Bankrupt persons - Persons placed in mental institutions - Members or employees of the armed forces or the police |
| Candidates |
|---|
| Eligibility | - Qualified voters - Age: 25 years or over - Lebanese citizenship or naturalized citizens - Registration in the voters' list - Full possession of civil rights - Ability to read and write Disqualifications: - Members or employees of the armed forces or the police unless they retire or relinquish the post six months prior to the election date - Judges - Civil servants (except for teaching staff of the Lebanese University) - Executives of a public corporation - Presidents and vice-presidents of municipal councils (Muhafazats) |
| Incompatibilities | - members or employees of the armed forces or the police - certain civil servants and other public officials |
| Candidacy requirements | - Candidatures must be submitted at least 60 days before the election date. - Candidate deposit of two million Lebanese pounds as well as a guarantee of six million Lebanese pounds, which is reimbursed if the candidate obtains at least 20 per cent of the valid votes cast in the constituency. |