Lebanon’s Elections An Extraordinary Step Forward

By Celia Canon-Talk Radio News Service

Lebanon has undergone a period of transition as it moves toward a more democratic political system.

As witnessed by the June 7th presidential elections that propelled the Pro-Western Party to power, the impulse to draw a line between the past and the present has brought over 50% of the population to vote.

Graeme Bannerman, MEI adjunct scholar, discussed the positive changes that took place in Lebanon this weekend.

Bannerman said that “The enthusiasm of the Lebanese cannot be underestimated,” later adding that “There was enthusiasm throughout the country for the elections even in areas where there was not stiffed race.”

In 2005, Lebanon underwent a domestic revolution which led to the expulsion of the Syrian military and intelligence, following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Ongoing investigations have pointed to Syria as the executioner. 

Syrian was in control of Lebanese politics for over 30 years.

This year’s elections were significant to Lebanon in that they reflected a more stable environment to vote for a new government, one that would have seen candidates lead actual campaigns instead of being appointment out of urgency.

On the many points of democratic impulse, Bannerman said “In areas where there was competition and that was mainly in the christian regions, there was very stiff competition and it was very spirited competition: there were long line, there were people who cared about it,  and people showed up and voted.”

In addition to more options, Bannerman spoke of a change in the role of the army, an institution often assumed to be authoritative, saying that “The security was provided by the army and the police, but it was not intimidating security, it was present, it was there it was efficient… The election as a whole went well.”

However Bannerman also mitigated his words, warning that “25% of the districts did not have government candidates” and there were “people with election shirts inside the polling space.”

“There were clearly things they need to improve but everybody gives credit for this being a good election to the minister of the interior,” said Bannerman.

In fact, says Bannerman, even “The opposition… said it was a good election.”

“Where in the Arab world do you actually have an election where people honestly believe that they can affect the outcome of their lives and their government and everything else?,” Bannerman said.