Fake IDs Will Not Affect Elections, Culprits Will Be Severely Punished
Interior Minister Ziad Baroud on Wednesday advised against attempts to “exaggerate” the issue of fake IDs saying that an investigation into forgery reports was well under way and the culprits will be severely punished.
In an interview with LBC’s Kalam al-Nass political talk show, Baroud said: “Honestly, my personal feeling is that this subject is being blown out of proportion.”
He said the crime of forgery existed everywhere in the world and added that a number of fake IDs has already been “transferred to the public prosecution. And I am satisfied with the course of investigation.”
Baroud sought to downplay the influence the false IDs can have on the outcome of the elections.
“There are no fears on the level of the electoral process and those who claim otherwise are playing with fire,” he warned.
“The forged IDs cannot be easily used in the elections. We have taken the necessary precautions in that regard,” he added.
He said attempts to exaggerate the subject “could be aimed at presenting the interior ministry’s security measures as inadequate.”
Baroud refused to point accusation fingers at political parties or figures and said he preferred to wait until the investigation was completed. He said the outcome will be made public.
“Before placing the blame on politics, we have to remember that some people benefit financially from forging IDs,” Baroud said.
When pressed on the issue, Baroud said: “It does not matter who is behind this (act) … but measures implemented by the ministry will prevent the use of (fake IDs) on June 7.”
An ID “could have been falsified five years ago and the owner is trying to use it now,” he added. Baroud warned those who are forging IDs and those using them “face serious punishments.”
Asked on the number of fake IDs discovered so far, the minister said according to media reports there were between “4000-10000 cards.”
“I contacted the concerned people and said ‘give me one ID and in an hour if I do not act then you can go public.’ But they did not have accurate information,” he said of one of the websites that carried out the report of 10000 forgeries.
Baroud said the government should discuss the issue but again advised against “exaggerations.”
“We should only tell the people the truth about what is happening,” he added.
Asked about political undertakings for a smooth election, Baroud said: "Guarantees started in Doha, which led to the election of the president, the formation of a unity government, the endorsement of an electoral law up to holding elections.”
“We are still on the same path,” since Doha agreement, he added.
“Another guarantee is what is happening in the national dialogue, including agreement by all sides to abide by a code of conduct,” Baroud said.
He pointed to the fact that politicians from opposing teams called for an investigation into forgery reports “even before media exposure and provided names and information.” He said such cooperation was “guarantee” that politicians were abiding by the agreement to safeguard security.
He said there was a “shared” responsibility by candidates, ministries and the citizens to maintain calm.
“We also need guarantees that the voter will use his (her) right in a civilized manner and not through bloodletting. Violence is not honorable. The shedding of blood is only honorable in a confrontation with the enemy not in elections,” Baroud said.
On the amended electoral law, Baroud said it was “unsatisfactory. But separation of powers forced me to accept it.”
He vowed to address the law’s shortcomings following the elections.
Baroud called for the adoption of an electoral law based on the principle of relativism because it “represents more diversity in the country such as political minorities and not just sects.”
“I fear political minorities will not have actual representation,” under a majority-based law, he said.
On Thursday’s elections day for registrars, Baroud said all logistical and security measures have been completed.
“This is the first time that registrars cast their ballots. (The move) demonstrates respect for their right as citizens not to be deprived from voting,” he said.
Some 11,500 staffers will be casting their ballots across Lebanon’s 26 electoral districts, he added, explaining that voting time take place from 7am till 7pm.
Baroud reminded voters that vote counting will take place on Sunday “to protect the principle of one-day voting.”
He said he had no regrets over pushing for one-day elections. “We have to prepare for such challenges if we want to take the country to a better place,” he added.
Baroud said that the issue of security was not the main challenge in one-day elections. “The real problem is the tension.”
As for voters with special needs, Baroud said the ministry cooperated with the Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union, which selected polling stations that are equipped to meet the needs of the physically disabled.
Baroud also cleared up confusion over an interior ministry decree imposing a curfew on nightclubs.
He said the decree calls on nightclubs to be closed from 9pm on Saturday until 6pm on Monday, while restaurants and coffee shops can remain open until 12 midnight Saturday.