"Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

Municipal Election Appeals in Lebanon: Procedures and Legal Grounds

Malek to "Akhbar al-Yawm": Appeals are not limited to Candidates only

As the results of the municipal and mokhtar elections continue to be announced following each round, it is expected, like in any electoral process, that objections will emerge, especially from those who were unsuccessful or believe they were wronged. Various violations were reported during both the voting process and the vote counting, whether inside polling stations or at central tallying centers.

In light of this, constitutional expert and attorney Said Malek clarified in an interview with the "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency that appeals concerning the validity of municipal and mokhtar elections fall under the jurisdiction of administrative courts affiliated with the State Shura Council. According to Lebanese law, any such appeal must be filed within 15 days of the official announcement of results. This timeframe is stipulated in both the Municipal Law and the regulations governing the State Council.

Malek noted that the right to challenge the results is not limited to candidates. Any voter listed on the electoral rolls in the concerned locality may submit an appeal. Even the Lebanese state can file a challenge through the Minister of Interior.

The process itself is relatively straightforward: a written request may be submitted without the need for complex legal procedures, as per Article 110 of the State Council regulations. The appeal is reviewed through summary proceedings, and a final decision must be issued within six months.

The State Council holds broad authority in these matters, including the power to annul election results, amend them, or recalculate votes. Its decisions are considered declarative, meaning they apply retroactively from the date the results were initially declared, not from the date of the ruling.

Malek emphasized that any appeal must be supported by evidence or at least a minimum of factual information to allow the case to proceed.