György Hölvényi, MEP of the co-ruling Christian Democrats (KDNP) in Hungary, has been appointed to head the European Union’s mission to observe Lebanon’s parliamentary elections in May, the European External Action Service (EEAS) said on Wednesday.
The EU appointed the mission at the invitation of the Lebanese Ministry of Interior and Municipalities.
Hölvényi said he was “honored” to lead the mission and expressed hope that the mission could help build trust and further strengthen the democratic process in Lebanon.
“I look forward to working with all Lebanese stakeholders, including state authorities, political parties, candidates, religious leaders and representatives, civil society organizations as well as national international election observers, with the aim of promoting and defending democratic values,” he said.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s chief diplomat, stressed the bloc’s commitment to assisting Lebanon‘s electoral process by providing significant financial, technical and political support to its preparation.
Hölvényi will lead a mission composed of over 70 observers. Lebanon will hold its general elections on May 15th.
Featured image via Szilárd Koszticsák/MTI