Winston Churchill famously declared in 1947 that “democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” He was speaking from the floor of the House of Commons, the parliamentary chamber reserved for any “common” man or woman elected to represent the people of Britain.
Just four years earlier, a collection of patriots here in Lebanon were writing the national constitution, which would enshrine Lebanon as a “parliamentary democratic republic.” And almost seventy years later, no-one has yet been able to find a ‘least worst’ form of government: people all around the world continue to call for more democracy, not less.
So how healthy is Lebanese democracy today? There are some worrying symptoms: the country has been struggling with political deadlock for the past two years, leaving its institutions paralysed. The vacuum in the presidency is about to reach its second year. And parliament has already extended its own term, twice. So Lebanese democracy, on the whole, is not in great shape. But there is a positive development now : the municipal elections.
It’s energising to see the buzz in the country since the Minister of Interior announced the dates for the election, especially among parties, families and individuals planning their electoral campaigns. It’s a complicated process and local (and national) rivalries of course come into play. But it’s good to see real competition taking place in many municipalities, with local issues that matter to people’s daily lives taking precedence.
We all saw – and can still smell – the effects of the garbage crisis. It has become more obvious than ever that municipalities have a major role to play to ensure things run smoothly going forward. Municipalities have a role in sorting trash at source; dealing with the rubbish; recycling it and disposing of what is left safely and sustainably. But municipalities can and should have a role in other public services too. The UK is working with the Ministry of Social Affairs and UNDP, for example, to deliver projects in close partnership with the municipalities most affected by the refugee influx, delivering key improvements which matter to the Lebanese: better roads, clean water, economic opportunities and more. Each municipality is able to make its own proposals on local priorities (based on community consultations) to the Government of Lebanon. This programme presents a real opportunity to the new councillors and mayors coming in this May to deliver more for their constituents.
Crucially, elections give the voters the chance to judge that delivery, and to hold their elected officials to account for how well they have served their electorate. The constitution also says that “the people are the source of authority and sovereignty,” and these elections are voters’ chance to reject councils that aren’t up to scratch, or re-elect those who’ve performed well. They’re also the chance to give a whole new generation of young men and women aged 21-27 the chance to vote – and run – for the first time. To change, and own, the debate. To increase the level of women’s participation – because when women are able to fully participate in public and economic life, we all benefit. New blood brings new ideas, and new ways of doing things. And if there’s one thing Lebanon needs to be able to overcome the challenges it is facing, it’s new approaches to problems – backed up by financial support from the international community, of course, and I’m proud to say that the UK is one of the countries that has done the most in that regard.
But to achieve that, Lebanese of all ages, genders and sects need to take up the rights guaranteed in the constitution. Lebanon’s leaders need to continue voicing their support for this crucially important democratic process. And Minister Machnouk needs to keep up his excellent work to ensure that these elections are just as internationally acclaimed as they were last time around.
Back in the 5th century BC, Pericles said “Just because you do not take an interest in politics, doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.”
And that remains as true today as it was then.