Sweeping Electoral Victory for the “Thawra”
Independents and Seculars, along with the Traditional Opposition, form the largest bloc in the Lebanese Parliament defying all expectations.
Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes, Lebanon made a landmark choice on Sunday. The electorate held the Parliament accountable, chafing off the seats of many Sulta (Establishment) parties.
I am only an unaffiliated high schooler interested in my country’s free democracy. What I observed on Sunday was a unique demonstration of Lebanese discontent with the present political establishment. Yet still there are those who claim to stand for change and vote for decades-old parties. Although the majority may have shifted to a coalition of so-called “progressive” parties, the largest bloc therein is the right-wing Christian Lebanese Forces: not at all a new entry to the political arena.
Change is coming. Reformists outperformed all expectations yet the caustic poison of sectarianism prevails in a large swathe of the population.
Here’s the “good” news…
Hezbollah and Allies (March 8 Alliance) Lose Majority
Since 2005 the March 8 alliance has been characterized by its pro-Syrian position and opposition to the March 14 alliance (Lebanese Forces, Future Movement,…)
Speaking from a standpoint of geopolitics, in theory, we ought to expect:
- A more “Westward” shift of the Lebanese government,
- Greater engagement with French, European, and Gulf initiatives to revitalize the Lebanese economy,
- Harsher stance on illegal militias within the country.
That is: in theory.
In theory, the new coalition should be allowed to rule with its majority while the opposition criticizes its actions and holds it accountable.
In practice, the opposition would try to paralyze the new government through loopholes in the Parliament’s own rules.
In reality, the government and opposition will be forced to collaborate and compromise.
In other words, neither party will deliver on its promises leaving the electorate disheartened and dissatisfied. That is the Lebanese political tradition.
Nothing new, more of the same.
And yet…
Reformists are not the Tradition
There is nothing that ensures Reformists will deliver on their promises; however, their novelty to national politics is valid reason to hope.
Our hope as Lebanese is that these Reformists will not sink into “the way of doing things” in the Lebanese Parliament, and will continue fighting with passion and vigour for the unity of all Lebanese.
I can imagine establishment parties compromising together and collaboratively tearing apart whatever is left of the country. However, reformists and independents, who scored upwards of 25 seats out of 128 in parliament have a different idea.
I read on Instagram a few days ago:
“Someone Tell the Parliament Police that the protesters of October 17 finally broke into Parliament… Politicians.”
This new wave of like-minded TRUE progressives is hell-bent on shattering the status quo of Lebanese politics. These new reformists are common folk who took to the streets and were shelled with tear gas on October 17, 2019. They are qualified men and women who have had enough of the slow, corrupt, and bloated state of Lebanese politics. And most of all, they are true fighters that resent the outdated mark of sectarianism.
Some would consider this appraise of Reformists as mere hyperbole; especially, considering that only 41% of Lebanese were persuaded enough by any political candidate to go out and vote.
The Low Voter Turnout
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. I was very. I expected thousands more to dip their fingers in the iconic indelible ink. First, I naturally tended to think that it is because of the crisis and rising fuel prices.
- The Lebanese electoral law requires electors to vote in their home district.
- The price of a fuel tank was over 500,000 Lebanese Liras at the time
- Most employees in the public sector are paid less than 2,000,000 L.L., so the lack of enthusiasm is understandable.
I believed that theory until my Arabic Language teacher was asked about her abstinence from voting. She explained to us why she abjured her right to vote in this election cycle (translated content):
“I haven’t heard a single candidate in my district, that spoke of issues that matter to ME. The main topic thrown around is understandably Hezbollah, as it turns out Christian voters in droves. What matters to me, is being able to make withdrawals from my bank account. What matters to me, is being able to find medicine when I need it.”
My delusion was washed off in the torrent of reality. Later she clarified:
“It is not that I do not care about which axis Lebanon decides to follow, I do. But first, I need my essential human rights as a Lebanese citizen.”
Simply, candidates of all sides spoke little of the day-to-day issues Lebanese citizens face. They spoke of abstract, vague and farfetched promises like “combatting corruption,” or “disarming militias.” The truth remains that most Lebanese, as was reflected in the low voter turnout, do not care as much about “heading east” or “heading west,” as they do providing food for their family and paying for their children’s tuition.
There it is. Lebanese are not only disheartened by the tired, old, and bloated political institutions of the country, but they also feel disconnected from the candidates that are supposed to represent them.
And Finally, a Thank You…
I do not for a single moment resent Lebanese who did not vote for they expressed their discontent with the toxic nature of political discourse in the country.
However, to the people that did go out and vote, I hold an immense gratitude for your loyalty to the country, and hope in effective sociopolitical change.
Every single voter who voted for change, I thank you. It gives me hope in a better tomorrow and a prosperous future.
More, every single voter who voted with his conscience, I thank you. It gives me hope for productive dialogue and discourse in the future.
Most, every single voter who voted despite accessibility issues, I thank you. It gives me hope that there are others, visionaries, toiling for a better future.
Conclusion
Seeing voters sway away from traditional establishment politics warms my heart yet I still ache for a day where religion ceases defining Lebanese politics. My hope, my dream, is that Reformists will be the rising sun shining upon the hills of a broken country, with a dream, a dream of the fateful day of Lebanese unity.
Then, the Phoenix may truly rise once more.
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