Lebanon's new electoral law could spell trouble for traditional parties
With the new electoral law in Lebanon expected to fragment traditional parties' representation in parliament, Lebanese are divided over how the May 6 vote will change the legislature.
Lebanon will hold parliamentary elections on May 6, for the first time in nine years. Lebanese parties are gearing up for the coming popular vote, with many fearing that the new electoral system that is based on proportional representation across 15 electoral districts might fragment their representation. Even Hezbollah seems wary of the parliamentary outcome, with experts believing the group may be facing challenges in several districts.
On Feb. 19, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah announced the group’s candidates for the elections. Hezbollah fielded 13 candidates, including former head of General Security Jamil al-Sayyed for the Baalbek-Hermel electoral district.
