Votes in the Open: HOW ELECTORAL PRACTICES SHAPE WOMEN'S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN LEBANON

Voter secrecy, a cornerstone of democratic systems, is integral to upholding the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections. The secret ballot ensures that voters can exercise their choices without coercion or fear of retribution, guarantees that outcomes reflect the genuine will of the electorate, and fosters public trust by safeguarding against manipulation. In Lebanon, a country characterized by a complex sectarian political system, ensuring voter secrecy remains a challenge due to structural and cultural practices that undermine these democratic principles. This issue has far-reaching implications, particularly for marginalized groups, including women, whose political participation is often stifled by structural barriers and fears of social or familial backlash. This paper explores the state of voter secrecy in Lebanon, its challenges, and its impact on women’s political participation, drawing on recent studies, reports, and election observations.