Researcher for Electoral Law Review and Reform Recommendation

Location: Remote, with in-person meetings as needed

Duration: March - May 2025

Contract Type: Short-term Consultancy

1. About LADE

LADE is a Lebanese non-profit and non-partisan organization advocating for election integrity and fair representation as two vital pillars for a functional democracy. Since its establishment in 1996, the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE) has been heavily involved in instigating electoral reform on a national level through a set of well-designed interventions amongst which election monitoring constitutes a cornerstone for a viable parliament, where it features as a necessary tool to assess the electoral framework and propose amendments when needed. The association’s early efforts reached paramount in 1998 with the implementation and management of a full-fledged campaign aiming at restoring local elections across Lebanon for the first time since the breakout of the Lebanese Civil War. Consequently, LADE’s role grew further and as a leading reformist organization. LADE’s awareness extended throughout the years to cover pre-elections, e-day and post-elections activities. Moreover, the association has been able, in a short period of time, to catch up with the academic and societal debates around media ethics and gender participation and has successfully developed a multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach to citizenship and electoral reform. 

2. Project Overview

LADE, in partnership with the European Union, launched a 30-month project aimed at making Lebanon’s parliamentary elections more democratic and aligned with international standards. The project will focus on implementing electoral reforms, strengthening electoral bodies, and promoting transparency and inclusiveness through civil society engagement. The project aims to increase public confidence and the perceived integrity of the electoral process by introducing at least three major reforms and improving perceptions of electoral fairness among both the public and international observers.

3. Objective

LADE is seeking a researcher to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Lebanon’s current electoral law and procedures, highlighting key challenges and gaps. The researcher will benchmark Lebanon’s electoral framework against international standards and best practices, offering a comparative perspective. Additionally, they will engage in consultations with election experts, civil society representatives, and former election officials to gather diverse insights. Based on these findings, the researcher will develop practical, evidence-based recommendations for legislative and procedural reforms aimed at enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of the electoral system.

4. Scope of Work

The researcher will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Literature Review & Comparative Analysis

A comprehensive review of existing electoral laws, reports, and studies will be conducted to assess Lebanon’s electoral framework. This analysis will examine legislative provisions, procedural mechanisms, and documented challenges. Additionally, a comparative assessment will be carried out, measuring Lebanon’s system against international best practices and globally recognized electoral standards to identify areas for improvement.

• Stakeholder Consultations

Structured consultations will be facilitated with election specialists, civil society organizations (CSOs), and key stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives. These discussions will provide valuable insights into practical challenges encountered in past elections, contributing to a deeper understanding of the system’s strengths and areas requiring reform.

• Drafting the Research Report

Legal and procedural gaps within Lebanon’s electoral system will be identified through analysis and stakeholder input. Based on these findings, evidence-based recommendations for legislative and procedural reforms will be developed, ensuring practical and actionable proposals. The report will be structured into well-defined sections, presenting key findings, analysis, and strategic recommendations for reform.

• Dissemination Materials

To enhance accessibility and impact, a summarized version of the report will be developed, highlighting key takeaways. This will facilitate broader engagement with policymakers, civil society, and the general public, ensuring the research findings effectively contribute to ongoing electoral reform efforts.

5. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver a comprehensive research report and advocacy materials aimed at informing electoral reform efforts as below: 

• Comprehensive Research Report providing a thorough assessment of Lebanon’s electoral laws and procedures, identifying key gaps, challenges, and areas for reform. The report will include evidence-based recommendations for legislative and procedural enhancements aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and electoral integrity.
• Executive Summary of key findings and recommendations, along with targeted advocacy briefs, designed to inform policymakers, support awareness campaigns, and facilitate policy discussions for diverse audiences.

6. Timeline and Workplan

The assignment will take place between March and May 2025, starting from the date of contract signing and concluding by the end of May 2025. The tentative work plan and timeline are as follows:

Literature Review and Analysis / March 2025: 

• Submission of an Inception Report outlining the research methodology, work plan, and initial findings.
• Conducting a comprehensive literature review and analysis of Lebanon’s electoral framework.
• Stakeholder consultations with election experts, civil society organizations, and relevant stakeholders to gather insights.

Stakeholder Consultations / March – April 2025:

• Continued stakeholder engagement to ensure diverse perspectives are incorporated into the research.
• Drafting the Research Paper, analyzing key challenges, gaps, and recommendations for reform.

Drafting of the Research Paper / April – May 2025: 

• Submission of the Draft Research Report for LADE’s review and feedback.
• Refining the research findings and integrating additional insights from stakeholder consultations.

Finalization and Dissemination / May 2025:

• Finalizing the Research Report, incorporating LADE’s comments and recommendations.
• Development of Dissemination Materials, including an Executive Summary and Advocacy Briefs, to support engagement with policymakers, civil society, and the public.
• Approval of the final deliverables by LADE before the official conclusion of the assignment.

7. Required Qualifications and Expertise

• An advanced degree in Law, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field with a strong focus on governance and legal frameworks.
• Proven expertise in electoral law, electoral systems, and democratic governance, with a deep understanding of international best practices.
• Strong research and analytical capabilities, including experience in comparative legal analysis and policy evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience working with civil society organizations, policymakers, and election stakeholders, ensuring inclusive and well-informed research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English, with the ability to present complex findings clearly and effectively.

8. Working Modality

The assignment will be conducted remotely, with the possibility of in-person meetings as required. The consultant must be available for virtual check-ins and coordinate effectively with LADE’s team.