19/06/2017 (Agence Europe) – In the evening of Friday 16 June, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service hailed the adoption of a new electoral law in Lebanon that will apply to the next general elections in the country in May 2018. The spokesperson said the agreement on a new electoral law "is an important step towards fully functioning democratic institutions in Lebanon". The law introduces proportional representation with 15 constituencies. Following the presidential election and appointment of a new government at the end of 2016, "the agreement to hold democratic elections under the new law will enable the government to advance with the necessary economic and structural measures. This will contribute to stabilising the country and stimulate faster economic growth", added the spokesperson in a press release, adding that the EU has promised "to provide support for the preparation and holding of the elections". (CG)