Advancing Disability Inclusion Reforms in Lebanon's Electoral Process

1. Background

The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE) is committed to promoting inclusive and accessible electoral processes that guarantee the full participation of all citizens, including persons with disabilities. Despite existing legal commitments and international standards, significant barriers continue to limit the participation of persons with disabilities in electoral processes in Lebanon, including physical, institutional, communication, and procedural obstacles.

LADE seeks to engage a consultant to review the current state of disability inclusion in Lebanon's electoral framework and develop practical recommendations to advance electoral reforms that ensure equal political participation for persons with disabilities.

2. Objective

The objective of this assignment is to assess the current level of disability inclusion within Lebanon's electoral process and propose evidence-based legal, administrative, and operational reforms to enhance accessibility and participation for persons with disabilities.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Review existing legislation, policies, regulations, and procedures related to electoral accessibility and the political participation of persons with disabilities.
• Assess progress made since previous electoral accessibility studies and identify remaining challenges and gaps.
• Conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders, including: Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs); electoral management bodies; government institutions; civil society organizations; and election experts and observers.
• Analyze barriers affecting the participation of persons with disabilities as voters, candidates, election officials, and observers.
• Identify international good practices and comparative experiences relevant to the Lebanese context.
• Develop recommendations for legal, policy, administrative, and operational reforms aimed at improving electoral accessibility and inclusion.
• Present findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders and incorporate feedback into the final report.

4. Deliverables

The consultant shall submit the following deliverables:

• Inception Report outlining the methodology, work plan, and stakeholder consultation approach.
• Draft Assessment and Reform Report including findings, analysis, and preliminary recommendations.
• Final Report incorporating stakeholder feedback and providing a roadmap for advancing disability inclusion reforms in Lebanon's electoral process.
• Presentation of Findings to LADE and key stakeholders.

5. Duration

The assignment is expected to be completed within 10 working days over a period to be agreed upon with LADE.

6. Required Qualifications

The consultant should possess:

• Advanced degree in political science, law, public policy, social sciences, disability studies, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in electoral processes, democratic governance, or electoral reform.
• Proven expertise in disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Experience conducting policy analysis, stakeholder consultations, and research studies.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills in English and Arabic.

7. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will work under the supervision of LADE and will coordinate closely with the project team throughout the assignment. Regular progress updates may be requested to ensure timely completion of deliverables.