BEIRUT, Lebanon, June 20 (UPI) -- EU election observers said Monday Lebanon's four-phase general elections were conducted smoothly, despite minor shortcomings.
Carlos Carnero, a Spanish representative to the European Parliament, told a news conference in Beirut "these elections have been very positive and rather conducted in a peaceful and festive atmosphere."
He noted, however, that the process was hampered by the existing electoral legislation, which was largely criticized by Lebanese opposition groups.
"The first priority for the newly elected Lebanese parliament now will have to be a drastic overhaul of the electoral law," he added.
Carnero underlined the shortcomings of the poll, including the lack of rules on the financing of the election campaigns and the massive presence of party activists immediately outside and sometimes even within polling stations.
It was the first time that Lebanese elections were monitored by international observers. The process which kicked off May 29 was completed Sunday.
