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It was the first election since the onset of the economic crisis, fueled by corruption and nepotism, that left the once relatively prosperous country beggar. Four in five Lebanese live in poverty, while the country only has electricity for a few hours a day. As a result, even many traffic lights do not function.
The historically low turnout (41 percent) is proof that the population has completely lost faith in politics. There were hopes for change after the massive explosion in the port of Beirut in the summer of 2020, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed much of the city. Authorities knew that a highly explosive stockpile of ammonium nitrate had been dangerously stored for years, but did nothing. No one has yet been held responsible for the disaster.
‘Give up weapons’
The voters have now made themselves heard. The votes are still being counted, but it looks like the ‘Lebanese Forces’ will become the largest party within the Christian bloc in parliament, winning five seats. Until recently, this was President Michel Aoun’s party, the Free Patriotic Movement, which is an important ally of Hezbollah.
Samir Geagea’s Lebanese Forces want the terrorist group to give up its weapons. Hezbollah is the most powerful player in the country and militarily stronger than the national army. However, the ‘Party of God’, backed by Iran, will never give up its weapons. She sees herself as the country’s foremost defender against Israel and other threats.
Boycott
It is also notable that a number of independent candidates have defeated long-serving parliamentarians. One reason for the shifts is also the boycott of the elections by Saad Hariri, the wealthy politician – a Sunni – who was prime minister several times in the past. He is an exponent of the corrupt system in Lebanon, like Aoun and others, where warlords from the civil wars of the 70s and 80s (or their relatives) still pull the strings.
Lebanon is experiencing one of the worst economic crises in history, according to the World Bank. The local currency has lost 95 percent of its value, causing the Lebanese to see their savings, if they can get to it, completely evaporate. Once the final result is known, the usually difficult and lengthy process of forming a coalition will begin. But it is urgent, because a new government has to decide on reforms that the IMF is demanding for an emergency package. A new government must also vote in the autumn on the succession of President Aoun.
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