The hijacked democracy of Lebanon

Elections are often viewed as a hallmark of democracy, representing the liberty to express opinions freely. However, in Lebanon, the country’s political reality may be misleading to outsiders. Although Lebanon is described as a democratic nation with relatively high levels of freedom compared to neighbouring countries, this may not be entirely accurate.

The civil war that began in 1975 and lasted for 15 years deprived Lebanese citizens of their democratic right to choose their representatives.

Lebanon has a long history of political divisions and regional conflicts that have resulted in periods of civil war and political instability. The first legislative elections were held in 1947, shortly after Lebanon gained independence from France. Nevertheless, the civil war that began in 1975 and lasted for 15 years deprived Lebanese citizens of their democratic right to choose their representatives.

Following the civil war, the Taif Agreement was established in 1989, which divided Lebanon politically through a sectarian distribution and placed the state and citizens under the control of war leaders. The first elections after the war were held in 1992 under the Syrian occupation of Lebanon, resulting in a parliament dominated by members who supported the Syrian presence. This system of sectarian control has resulted in a political system that is democratic on paper but is based on exclusive decision-making by sect and party leaders.

The citizens, therefore, have no ability to bring about real change or choose representatives who can make a difference in the country’s miserable conditions.

Moreover, each party in Lebanon has become an agent of a regional state, with the loyalty of parties and sects often being bought by regional powers through funding. This has resulted in a system where politicians control their supporters through jobs and services, forcing them to comply with party decisions regarding elections. The citizens, therefore, have no ability to bring about real change or choose representatives who can make a difference in the country’s miserable conditions.

The current political system in Lebanon has allowed traditional parties to engage in political corruption, looting, and theft. These individuals are not politicians, but rather gang leaders and militias who belong in prison and on trial, not in Parliament. To have free, fair, and just elections, corrupt individuals must be excluded from the polls, and the new generation, untainted by corruption, must be allowed to chart a better future for Lebanon and its people.

Lebanese democracy is an empty concept that citizens take pride in but live under the shadow of a concealed dictatorship

In conclusion, Lebanese democracy is an empty concept that citizens take pride in but live under the shadow of a concealed dictatorship. The elections under the current political system have no real impact on the ground, and Hezbollah’s strength and loyalty to Iran have only increased over time. Until corrupt individuals are removed from power, real change and progress will remain a distant dream for the Lebanese people.