The 30 long-term observers (LTOs) of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) were deployed today in teams of two to all regions of Lebanon.

The LTOs arrived in Beirut on 10 April and received a three-day training, first on logistical, health and security issues, and then on political and electoral context, legal framework, traditional media and social media landscape.

“Their work is essential for us, because they will be the eyes and ears of the mission on the ground,” said the EU EOM Chief Observer György Hölvényi few days ago, when he welcomed them. Once in the field, the LTOs will be meeting all the interlocutors, all the stakeholders involved in the electoral process such as the candidates and the institutions in charge of the elections, and representatives of civil society.

In a press point during the event, the Deputy Chief Observer Mr. Jarek Domański explained: “Today we are deploying our 30 long-term observers to all regions of country where they will observe until the completion of the electoral process in Lebanon. From their areas, they will deliver their reports to the mission’s analysts based in Beirut”, he added.

The core team arrived in Beirut on 27 March and is composed of 10 election experts covering the different aspects of the electoral process. Around Election Day some short-term observers will join the mission to observe the polling, voting and counting.

“Let me also highlight”, Mr. Domański added, “that our methodology is based on direct observation, that’s the reason why we are deploying our LTOs already at this stage, one month before the election day. We want to understand the process and cover all the elements including the preparations and the logistical side, the campaigns and campaigns finance, a very important element in Lebanon as well as media and social media”.

On Election Day, the EU Election Observation Mission will comprise around 150 observers from all 27 EU member states, Norway and Switzerland.

The final two products of this mission will consist of the statement of preliminary conclusions which will be presented by the chief observer two days after the elections on 17 of May. Later on, we will present a final report which will include the recommendations on how to improve the future electoral processes in Lebanon. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the conclusion of the electoral process.