BEIRUT, Lebanon, June 5 (UPI) -- Government and electoral reforms are needed in the Lebanese political system regardless of which camp emerges victorious in the Sunday elections, analysts say.
Some analysts expect the March 8 coalition, which includes Hezbollah, to take a slim majority over the pro-Western March 14 camp, while others say the race is too close to call.
The political climate that emerges in the wake of the Sunday elections will be a test not only for Lebanese solidarity, but also for Western advocates of Middle East democracy, who often embrace political outcomes selectively, notes the International Crisis Group.
An ICG report notes the results of the election will almost certainly lend to the political divisions already simmering between both camps with disputes reminiscent of the climate in Beirut that brought renewed violence in 2008.
Reports outside of ICG say Beirut faces obstacles in forming a unity government, with March 14 threatening a government boycott if March 8 wins, while March 8 could resort to violence if March 14 does not recognize their gains.
ICG calls for a series of political reform measures, including a renewed push to disarm Hezbollah and to reconcile differences between Sunnis, Shiites and Christians.
The report calls on Lebanese political players to push hard for a power-sharing agreement to avoid further divisions while advocating electoral reforms to ensure independence and prevent corruption.
