UN Secretary-General congratulates Lebanon on holding elections

BEIRUT — The UN Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated Lebanon, Tuesday, for holding the parliamentary elections on time in a statement that noted: “despite the challenging circumstances, the authorities demonstrated their commitment to adhere to the Constitution and honor Lebanon’s democratic traditions.”

Here’s what we know:

    • “The Secretary-General looks forward to the swift formation of an inclusive government that can finalize the agreement with the International Monetary Fund and accelerate the implementation of reforms necessary to set Lebanon on the path to recovery,” the statement wrote.

    • In April 2022, Lebanon signed a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a $3 billion deal over 46 months. However, this package is conditional on Lebanon implementing reforms including a forensic audit of Banque du Liban, unification of exchange rates and approval of the 2022 budget.

    • António Guterres counts on the new Parliament to urgently adopt all legislation necessary to stabilize the economy and improve governance, the statement continued. “In this regard, he calls on Lebanon’s political leaders to work jointly with the best interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese people in mind.”

    • The Secretary-General encouraged measures to enhance women’s political participation and representation, including in the next government.

    • “The United Nations continues to support Lebanon and its sovereignty, stability, and political independence in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions,” the statement concluded.

    • However, the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections recorded numerous violations in the electoral process across Lebanon. “While the government considered holding elections to be an achievement in itself, the number of violations recorded in the field does not reflect an achievement in any way,” a LADE representative said.