Lebanon

Overview

Ongoing regional conflicts have significantly altered power dynamics in Lebanon. Continuing military action, shifting regional alliances, and disruptions to long-standing networks have weakened traditional armed actors and reshaped the country’s political equilibrium. In this context, growing segments of the Lebanese public are increasingly calling for a stronger state capable of providing security for all citizens and leading the country’s economic recovery. In this context, NDI is working to support new, creative and reform-minded political groups that can represent citizens, develop and present credible alternatives, engage in the political arena and–when possible–participate in elections during this time of regional transition.  This work builds on more than three decades supporting a wide range of local partners in Lebanon to improve citizen awareness of civic and political rights, increase inter-party dialogue on policy and reform agendas, promote credible elections and assist women and youth to increase their ability and confidence as political and civic leaders. The Institute also has organized international election observation missions for parliamentary elections in 2009, 2018 and 2022 and helped to establish the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE), now a preeminent election observation organization in Lebanon and the MENA region.