Lebanon

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Question Value
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    "Paragraph (1) of Article 60 (...) Contributions to a candidate or list may only be made by a Lebanese natural or legal person (para.[2]) and candidates and lists may not receive contributions directly or indirectly from a foreign country or from a non-Lebanese natural or legal person (para.[3]). However contributions do not include “the services of volunteers” (para.[4]). "
     

     

  • Source

    IFES, Lebanon’s 2017 Parliamentary Election Law 

2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    "Paragraph (1) of Article 60 (...) Contributions to a candidate or list may only be made by a Lebanese natural or legal person (para.[2]) and candidates and lists may not receive contributions directly or indirectly from a foreign country or from a non-Lebanese natural or legal person (para.[3]). However contributions do not include “the services of volunteers” (para.[4]). "

  • Source

    IFES, Lebanon’s 2017 Parliamentary Election Law 

3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    Article 60: Campaign spending and financing

    1.Candidates may spend sums of their own

    money for their electoral campaign. The money

    of the spouse or any of the ascendents or

    descendents of the candidate shall be regarded

    as the candidate's own money.

    All expenses incurred or paid by the candidate

    from their own money for their election

    campaign shall be subject to the election

    campaing spending limit.

    2.Campaign contributions to a candidate or

    candidate list may only be made by Lebanese

    natural or legal persons.

    3.It is strictly forbidden for candidates and

    candidate lists to accept or receive contributions

    or donations from a foreign country or a non-

    Lebanese natural or legal person, whether

    directly or indirectly.

    4.Contributions, in the sense of this law, do not

    include the services of volunteers.

  • Source

    lebanon-law-no.44-parliamentary-elections-2017

5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Art 6 "

    4.Public media outlets shall commit to

    remaining neutral at all stages of the electoral

    process. Neither they nor any of their agents

    or employees shall carry out any activity that

    may be construed as supporting a candidate

    or candidate list at the expense of another

    candidate or candidate list."

     

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?
  • CodeYes, for both natural and legal persons
  • Comment

    "Paragraph (5) of Article 60 provides that the “campaign finance contribution made by a single natural or legal Lebanese person” to a candidate or list may not exceed 50 percent of their campaign spending limit and must be made through a bank transaction.60 A candidate may not receive a greater sum in contributions than his or her election spending limit, and contributions may not be made through an intermediary (para.[6])."   
     

  • Source

    IFES, Lebanon’s 2017 Parliamentary Election Law 

15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment

    "Paragraph (5) of Article 60 provides that the “campaign finance contribution made by a single natural or legal Lebanese person” to a candidate or list may not exceed 50 percent of their campaign spending limit and must be made through a bank transaction.60 A candidate may not receive a greater sum in contributions than his or her election spending limit, and contributions may not be made through an intermediary (para.[6])."   
    Article 61 states the formulae for calculating the spending limits of candidates and lists: 
    • A candidate’s limit is the fixed sum of 150 million Lebanese Pounds plus 5,000 Lebanese Pounds for each voter registered in the voters lists in the major constituency; • The spending limit for a list is a fixed sum of 150 million Lebanese Pounds. 
    However, Article 61 also provides that these spending limits may be “reconsidered at the opening of the campaign period in the light of economic conditions” by a decree issued by the Council of Ministers at the suggestion of the minister and following consultations with the SCE (Supervisory Commission for Elections)."  

  • Source

    IFES, Lebanon’s 2017 Parliamentary Election Law 

16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election?
  • CodeYes, for both natural and legal persons
  • Comment

    "Paragraph (5) of Article 60 provides that the “campaign finance contribution made by a single natural or legal Lebanese person” to a candidate or list may not exceed 50 percent of their campaign spending limit and must be made through a bank transaction.60 A candidate may not receive a greater sum in contributions than his or her election spending limit, and contributions may not be made through an intermediary (para.[6])."   

  • Source

    IFES, Lebanon’s 2017 Parliamentary Election Law 

17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment

    "Paragraph (5) of Article 60 provides that the “campaign finance contribution made by a single natural or legal Lebanese person” to a candidate or list may not exceed 50 percent of their campaign spending limit and must be made through a bank transaction.60 A candidate may not receive a greater sum in contributions than his or her election spending limit, and contributions may not be made through an intermediary (para.[6])."   
    Article 61 states the formulae for calculating the spending limits of candidates and lists: 
    • A candidate’s limit is the fixed sum of 150 million Lebanese Pounds plus 5,000 Lebanese Pounds for each voter registered in the voters lists in the major constituency; • The spending limit for a list is a fixed sum of 150 million Lebanese Pounds. 
    However, Article 61 also provides that these spending limits may be “reconsidered at the opening of the campaign period in the light of economic conditions” by a decree issued by the Council of Ministers at the suggestion of the minister and following consultations with the SCE (Supervisory Commission for Elections)."  

  • Source

    IFES, Lebanon’s 2017 Parliamentary Election Law  

18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?
  • CodeYes, donation limit for private persons apply
  • Comment

    "The Elections Law also contains a threshold for the expenditure of candidates (including spending done in favour of the candidate as described above). To a flat amount of 150,000,000 million Lebanese pounds (USD 100,000) is added an amount per voter decided for each election by the Council of Minister on the suggestion of the Minister of Interior and Municipalities). For the 2009 elections it was the decided that candidates can spend 4,000 Lebanese pounds (around
    USD 2.65) per voter, above the flat amount."

     

  • Source

    IFES, The Political Finance Framework in Lebanon, 2009

21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Article 58: Campaign spending

    In the present law, the term “campaign

    spending” shall indicate all expenses paid by

    the list or candidate and all expenses paid for

    the account or benefit of either one of them,

    with their express or tacit consent, by natural or

    legal persons, political parties, associations or

    any other bodies, provided that such expenses

    directly serve the electoral campaign, voting

    process or legitimate communication between

    the candidate list or candidate and the voter,

    including:

    Securing the rent and other expenses of

    campaign offices; organizing campaignrelated

    rallies, events, public meetings and

    banquets; expenses related to equipment used

    in the campaign; preparing, publishing and

    disseminating media and advertising material

    through books, brochures, bulletins, leaflets,

    printed letters, or through post and electronic

    mail; preparing, disseminating and posting

    pictures, stickers, posters and billboards;

    paying compensation or allowances in cash or

    in kind to the campaign staff and candidate

    agents; campaign staff and voter transport and

    relocation expenses; travel expenses of nonresident

    voters; expenses related to electoral

    advertising and opinion polls; any other

    expenses paid for the purposes of the campaign

    to any radio or television broadcasting station,

    newspaper, magazine or any other means of

    publication, including electronic means.

     

    Article 61: Campaign spending limit

    The maximum amount that each candidate

    may spend during the campaign period shall be

    determined according to the following:

    The limit amount is composed of a fixed lump

    sum of one hundred and fifty million Lebanese

    pounds and a variable sum determined by the

    number of voters in the major constituency in

    which the candidate may be elected, on the

    basis of five thousand Lebanese pounds per

    voter registered in the voter lists in the major

    constituency.

    The campaign spending limit of a candidate list

    is a fixed lump sum of one hundred fifty million

    Lebanese pounds per candidate.

    This spending limit may be reconsidered at

    the opening of the campaign period in light

    of the economic conditions, by virtue of a

    decree adopted by the Council of Ministers at

    the suggestion of the Minister of Interior and

    Municipalities and following consultations with

    the Commission.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    "Article 59 requires each candidate and candidate list to provide the details of an electoral campaign bank account opened at a bank in Lebanon59 at the time of nomination or registration (para.[1]), and are deemed to have waived their right to bank secrecy concerning that account (para.[2]). All campaign contributions and election expenses must be received and paid through this account (para.[3]), using procedures established by the candidate or list, provided that a check must be used for any amount above one million Lebanese Pounds (para.[4]); this amount is about USD $660). Candidates and lists must also provide the Commission with the name of their auditor with their nomination or registration applications (para.[5]). Where “for reasons beyond their control” a candidate or list cannot open or use a bank account, funds for that election campaign must be deposited “in a public fund established by the Ministry of Finance, which shall replace the bank account in all aspects” (para.[6])"

     

  • Source

    IFES, Lebanon’s 2017 Parliamentary Election Law 

Question Value
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties?
  • CodeNo public funding available
  • Comment
  • Source
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Article 73: The obligations of public media

    outlets

    1.A candidate or candidate list may use the

    public media outlets free of charge to present

    their electoral platform in accordance with the

    provisions of this law and the rules established

    by the Commission.

    2.Each candidate or candidate list wishing

    to use this right shall submit a request to the

    Commission in writing. The Commission shall

    draw up a list of the names of candidates and

    candidate lists authorized to use public media

    outlets.

    3.The Commission shall prepare a schedule

    specifying the dates and conditions for the

    distribution of broadcasting times between the

    various lists and candidates, while maintaining

    balanced broadcasting times, to ensure fair

    and equal opportunities for all candidates and

    candidate lists.

    4.Public media outlets shall commit to

    remaining neutral at all stages of the electoral

    process. Neither they nor any of their agents

    or employees shall carry out any activity that

    may be construed as supporting a candidate

    or candidate list at the expense of another

    candidate or candidate list.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
  • CodeEqual
  • Comment

    Article 73: The obligations of public media

    outlets

    1.A candidate or candidate list may use the

    public media outlets free of charge to present

    their electoral platform in accordance with the

    provisions of this law and the rules established

    by the Commission.

    2.Each candidate or candidate list wishing

    to use this right shall submit a request to the

    Commission in writing. The Commission shall

    draw up a list of the names of candidates and

    candidate lists authorized to use public media

    outlets.

    3.The Commission shall prepare a schedule

    specifying the dates and conditions for the

    distribution of broadcasting times between the

    various lists and candidates, while maintaining

    balanced broadcasting times, to ensure fair

    and equal opportunities for all candidates and

    candidate lists.

    4.Public media outlets shall commit to

    remaining neutral at all stages of the electoral

    process. Neither they nor any of their agents

    or employees shall carry out any activity that

    may be construed as supporting a candidate

    or candidate list at the expense of another

    candidate or candidate list.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Article 73: The obligations of public media

    outlets

    1.A candidate or candidate list may use the

    public media outlets free of charge to present

    their electoral platform in accordance with the

    provisions of this law and the rules established

    by the Commission.

    2.Each candidate or candidate list wishing

    to use this right shall submit a request to the

    Commission in writing. The Commission shall

    draw up a list of the names of candidates and

    candidate lists authorized to use public media

    outlets.

    3.The Commission shall prepare a schedule

    specifying the dates and conditions for the

    distribution of broadcasting times between the

    various lists and candidates, while maintaining

    balanced broadcasting times, to ensure fair

    and equal opportunities for all candidates and

    candidate lists.

    4.Public media outlets shall commit to

    remaining neutral at all stages of the electoral

    process. Neither they nor any of their agents

    or employees shall carry out any activity that

    may be construed as supporting a candidate

    or candidate list at the expense of another

    candidate or candidate list.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source

Question Value
38. Is there a ban on vote buying?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Article 62: Prohibited activities

    "1.During the electoral campaign period,

    commitments and disbursements that involve

    the provision of services or payments to voters

    shall be prohibited, including but not limited

    to: gifts and cash and in-kind donations to

    individuals, charities and social, cultural, family

    or religious organizations, sports clubs and all

    public institutions. ..."

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    "Paragraph (5) of Article 60 provides that the “campaign finance contribution made by a single natural or legal Lebanese person” to a candidate or list may not exceed 50 percent of their campaign spending limit and must be made through a bank transaction.60 A candidate may not receive a greater sum in contributions than his or her election spending limit, and contributions may not be made through an intermediary (para.[6]). "

     

    Article 58: Campaign spending

    In the present law, the term “campaign

    spending” shall indicate all expenses paid by

    the list or candidate and all expenses paid for

    the account or benefit of either one of them,

    with their express or tacit consent, by natural or

    legal persons, political parties, associations or

    any other bodies, provided that such expenses

    directly serve the electoral campaign, voting

    process or legitimate communication between

    the candidate list or candidate and the voter,

    including:

    Securing the rent and other expenses of

    campaign offices; organizing campaignrelated

    rallies, events, public meetings and

    banquets; expenses related to equipment used

    in the campaign; preparing, publishing and

    disseminating media and advertising material

    through books, brochures, bulletins, leaflets,

    printed letters, or through post and electronic

    mail; preparing, disseminating and posting

    pictures, stickers, posters and billboards;

    paying compensation or allowances in cash or

    in kind to the campaign staff and candidate

    agents; campaign staff and voter transport and

    relocation expenses; travel expenses of nonresident

    voters; expenses related to electoral

    advertising and opinion polls; any other

    expenses paid for the purposes of the campaign

    to any radio or television broadcasting station,

    newspaper, magazine or any other means of

    publication, including electronic means.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment

    Article 58: Campaign spending

    In the present law, the term “campaign

    spending” shall indicate all expenses paid by

    the list or candidate and all expenses paid for

    the account or benefit of either one of them,

    with their express or tacit consent, by natural or

    legal persons, political parties, associations or

    any other bodies, provided that such expenses

    directly serve the electoral campaign, voting

    process or legitimate communication between

    the candidate list or candidate and the voter,

    including:

    Securing the rent and other expenses of

    campaign offices; organizing campaignrelated

    rallies, events, public meetings and

    banquets; expenses related to equipment used

    in the campaign; preparing, publishing and

    disseminating media and advertising material

    through books, brochures, bulletins, leaflets,

    printed letters, or through post and electronic

    mail; preparing, disseminating and posting

    pictures, stickers, posters and billboards;

    paying compensation or allowances in cash or

    in kind to the campaign staff and candidate

    agents; campaign staff and voter transport and

    relocation expenses; travel expenses of nonresident

    voters; expenses related to electoral

    advertising and opinion polls; any other

    expenses paid for the purposes of the campaign

    to any radio or television broadcasting station,

    newspaper, magazine or any other means of

    publication, including electronic means.

    "Article 61 states the formulae for calculating the spending limits of candidates and lists:  
    • A candidate’s limit is the fixed sum of 150 million Lebanese Pounds plus 5,000 Lebanese Pounds for each voter registered in the voters lists in the major constituency; • The spending limit for a list is a fixed sum of 150 million Lebanese Pounds.61  
    However, Article 61 also provides that these spending limits may be “reconsidered at the opening of the campaign period in the light of economic conditions” by a decree issued by the Council of Ministers at the suggestion of the minister and following consultations with the SCE"

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Article 61: Campaign spending limit

    The maximum amount that each candidate

    may spend during the campaign period shall be

    determined according to the following:

    The limit amount is composed of a fixed lump

    sum of one hundred and fifty million Lebanese

    pounds and a variable sum determined by the

    number of voters in the major constituency in

    which the candidate may be elected, on the

    basis of five thousand Lebanese pounds per

    voter registered in the voter lists in the major

    constituency.

    The campaign spending limit of a candidate list

    is a fixed lump sum of one hundred fifty million

    Lebanese pounds per candidate.

    This spending limit may be reconsidered at

    the opening of the campaign period in light

    of the economic conditions, by virtue of a

    decree adopted by the Council of Ministers at

    the suggestion of the Minister of Interior and

    Municipalities and following consultations with

    the Commission.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment

    Article 61: Campaign spending limit

    The maximum amount that each candidate

    may spend during the campaign period shall be

    determined according to the following:

    The limit amount is composed of a fixed lump

    sum of one hundred and fifty million Lebanese

    pounds and a variable sum determined by the

    number of voters in the major constituency in

    which the candidate may be elected, on the

    basis of five thousand Lebanese pounds per

    voter registered in the voter lists in the major

    constituency.

    The campaign spending limit of a candidate list

    is a fixed lump sum of one hundred fifty million

    Lebanese pounds per candidate.

    This spending limit may be reconsidered at

    the opening of the campaign period in light

    of the economic conditions, by virtue of a

    decree adopted by the Council of Ministers at

    the suggestion of the Minister of Interior and

    Municipalities and following consultations with

    the Commission.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?
  • CodeYes, spending limit for party/candidate includes spending by other on their behalf
  • Comment

    "Article 58: Campaign spending

    In the present law, the term “campaign

    spending” shall indicate all expenses paid by

    the list or candidate and all expenses paid for

    the account or benefit of either one of them,

    with their express or tacit consent, by natural or

    legal persons, political parties, associations or

    any other bodies, provided that such expenses

    directly serve the electoral campaign, voting

    process or legitimate communication between

    the candidate list or candidate and the voter,

    including:..."

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeYes, for political parties | Yes, for candidates | Yes, for third parties
  • Comment

    Article 58: Campaign spending

    In the present law, the term “campaign

    spending” shall indicate all expenses paid by

    the list or candidate and all expenses paid for

    the account or benefit of either one of them,

    with their express or tacit consent, by natural or

    legal persons, political parties, associations or

    any other bodies, provided that such expenses

    directly serve the electoral campaign, voting

    process or legitimate communication between

    the candidate list or candidate and the voter,

    including:

    Securing the rent and other expenses of

    campaign offices; organizing campaignrelated

    rallies, events, public meetings and

    banquets; expenses related to equipment used

    in the campaign; preparing, publishing and

    disseminating media and advertising material

    through books, brochures, bulletins, leaflets,

    printed letters, or through post and electronic

    mail; preparing, disseminating and posting

    pictures, stickers, posters and billboards;

    paying compensation or allowances in cash or

    in kind to the campaign staff and candidate

    agents; campaign staff and voter transport and

    relocation expenses; travel expenses of nonresident

    voters; expenses related to electoral

    advertising and opinion polls; any other

    expenses paid for the purposes of the campaign

    to any radio or television broadcasting station,

    newspaper, magazine or any other means of

    publication, including electronic means.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeYes, for political parties | Yes, for candidates | Yes, for third parties
  • Comment

    Article 58: Campaign spending

    In the present law, the term “campaign

    spending” shall indicate all expenses paid by

    the list or candidate and all expenses paid for

    the account or benefit of either one of them,

    with their express or tacit consent, by natural or

    legal persons, political parties, associations or

    any other bodies, provided that such expenses

    directly serve the electoral campaign, voting

    process or legitimate communication between

    the candidate list or candidate and the voter,

    including:

    Securing the rent and other expenses of

    campaign offices; organizing campaignrelated

    rallies, events, public meetings and

    banquets; expenses related to equipment used

    in the campaign; preparing, publishing and

    disseminating media and advertising material

    through books, brochures, bulletins, leaflets,

    printed letters, or through post and electronic

    mail; preparing, disseminating and posting

    pictures, stickers, posters and billboards;

    paying compensation or allowances in cash or

    in kind to the campaign staff and candidate

    agents; campaign staff and voter transport and

    relocation expenses; travel expenses of nonresident

    voters; expenses related to electoral

    advertising and opinion polls; any other

    expenses paid for the purposes of the campaign

    to any radio or television broadcasting station,

    newspaper, magazine or any other means of

    publication, including electronic means.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Article 66

    "2.Candidates who exceed the electoral spending

    limit shall be liable to a fine equivalent to three

    times the amount in excess of the limit, to be

    paid to the Treasury. And the Commission shall

    refer the case to the Constitutional Council."

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

Question Value
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    Article 64:The overall balance sheet

    1.After the elections, each candidate and

    candidate list shall prepare an overall balance

    sheet authenticated by the authorized auditor

    and showing, in detail, the total of proceeds and

    contributions in kind, according to their sources

    and dates, and the total of expenses paid or

    due, according to their nature and dates, since

    the beginning of the electoral campaign.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Article 64: The overall balance sheet

    1.After the elections, each candidate and

    candidate list shall prepare an overall balance

    sheet authenticated by the authorized auditor

    and showing, in detail, the total of proceeds and

    contributions in kind, according to their sources

    and dates, and the total of expenses paid or

    due, according to their nature and dates, since

    the beginning of the electoral campaign.

     

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Article 64: The overall balance sheet

    "1.After the elections, each candidate and

    candidate list shall prepare an overall balance

    sheet authenticated by the authorized auditor

    and showing, in detail, the total of proceeds and

    contributions in kind, according to their sources

    and dates, and the total of expenses paid or

    due, according to their nature and dates, since

    the beginning of the electoral campaign."

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Article 64: The overall balance sheet

    1.After the elections, each candidate and

    candidate list shall prepare an overall balance

    sheet authenticated by the authorized auditor

    and showing, in detail, the total of proceeds and

    contributions in kind, according to their sources

    and dates, and the total of expenses paid or

    due, according to their nature and dates, since

    the beginning of the electoral campaign.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Article 64: The overall balance sheet

    1.After the elections, each candidate and

    candidate list shall prepare an overall balance

    sheet authenticated by the authorized auditor

    and showing, in detail, the total of proceeds and

    contributions in kind, according to their sources

    and dates, and the total of expenses paid or

    due, according to their nature and dates, since

    the beginning of the electoral campaign.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates?
  • CodeEMB
  • Comment

    Article 64: The overall balance sheet

    2.The overall balance sheet shall be submitted

    to the Commission within thirty days from

    the date of publication of the official election

    results, together with the documents

    supporting all account items including receipts,

    disbursement orders, etc., and a comprehensive

    bank statement of the electoral campaign bank

    account showing all transactions executed on

    this account from the date of its opening until

    the date of submission of the balance sheet.

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeEMB
  • Comment

    Article 64: The overall balance sheet
    "...4.If the balance sheet does not include any

    campaign-related proceeds or expenses, the

    authorized auditor shall write a report on the

    subject.

    5.The Commission shall examine and audit

    the balance sheet of each candidate and carry

    out the necessary investigations to verify its

    accuracy or the accuracy of some of its elements,

    and may, for this purpose, recruit experts and

    judicial police officers, upon the approval of the

    competent Public Prosecutor’s Office.

    6.The Commission shall decide on the validity

    of the abovementioned balance sheet within

    thirty days from the date of submission thereof.

    It shall decide whether to approve it or, after

    due consideration of the adversarial system

    and the right to counsel, reject it or request its

    adjustment or correction in whole or in part. The

    Commission shall submit its reasoned decision

    in writing, together with the balance sheet, to

    the Constitutional Council.

    If after one month from the date of submission

    of the balance sheet the Commission has not

    issued its decision thereon, the balance sheet

    shall be deemed to have been approved.

    7.The Commission may reject balance sheets that

    are found inaccurate or exceeding the spending

    limit even after correction or adjustment

    thereof. The Commission shall inform the

    Speaker of Parliament and the President of the

    Constitutional Council of such cases.

    8.If the Commission finds that the value of

    one of the electoral expenses declared in the

    balance sheet and its annexes is less than the

    common and usually approved value for a

    similar expense, the Commission shall, after

    due consideration of the adversarial system and

    the right to counsel, estimate the difference by

    comparing prices from different sources and

    noting such difference with the expenses. The

    difference shall thus be subject to the spending

    limit provided for in this Law. ..."

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeCarry out investigation | Request additional information from potential violator | Other
  • Comment

    Article 64: The overall balance sheet

    "... 5.The Commission shall examine and audit

    the balance sheet of each candidate and carry

    out the necessary investigations to verify its

    accuracy or the accuracy of some of its elements,

    and may, for this purpose, recruit experts and

    judicial police officers, upon the approval of the

    competent Public Prosecutor’s Office. ..."

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions?
  • CodeFines | Prison
  • Comment

    Article 65: Complaints and criminal prosecution

    1.The Commission shall refer the cases of

    violation of the provisions of this Chapter to

    the competent Public Prosecution Office where

    it finds that such violation may be described as

    criminal offense.

    2.Any person who intentionally commits a

    violation shall in accordance with the provisions

    of the first paragraph be liable to a term of

    imprisonment not exceeding six months and/

    or a fine of 50 to 100 million Lebanese pounds,

    without prejudice to the penalties of criminal

    offenses stipulated in the Penal Code and special

    penal laws.

    3.The disbursement of prohibited electoral

    expenses mentioned in Article 61 of the present

    Law shall be considered as bribery under the

    Penal Code.

    4.The penalties provided for in paragraph (2)

    above shall apply to legal persons in accordance

    with Article 210 of the Penal Code.

    5.Criminal and civil actions relating to offenses

    set out in paragraph (2) above shall be dismissed

    on grounds of prescription after six months from

    the date of publication of the election results.

    6.The Constitutional Council’s decisions on

    electoral appeals shall have the force of res

    judicata that is binding on all judicial and

    administrative courts and state departments.

    The claim and criminal prosecution shall

    be processed based on the decision of the

    Constitutional Council.

    Article 66: The penalties applicable to balance

    sheet violations

    1.Candidates who failed to submit the

    comprehensive balance sheet provided for in

    Article 64 of this Law shall be liable to a fine of

    one million Lebanese pounds per day of delay.

    The said fine shall be imposed by the Ministry at

    the request of the Commission.

    2.Candidates who exceed the electoral spending

    limit shall be liable to a fine equivalent to three

    times the amount in excess of the limit, to be

    paid to the Treasury. And the Commission shall

    refer the case to the Constitutional Council.

    Article 67: The fine

    Non-winning candidates who failed to submit

    the balance sheet shall be liable to a fine of one

    million Lebanese pounds per day of delay to be

    imposed by the Ministry pursuant to a report

    issued by the Commission.

    Non-winning candidates who have exceeded

    the electoral spending limit shall be liable to a

    fine equivalent to three times the amount in

    excess of the limit. "

  • Source

    Law no.44 Parliamentary Elections 2017

     

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