By Martin Accad

Let me start with a confession: At 45 years old, I have never voted in the Lebanese General Elections! As a child of the Lebanese Civil War, I developed a cynical attitude to the possibility that change will come through the current political process. Why would I trust that our current politicians want change and progress for Lebanon, when the vast majority of them were the leaders of violent militias from 1975-1990? Those men who robbed me of my childhood, of my adolescence, and of my youth, will have to forgive me for not trusting them as an adult.

This year, however, I am feeling a bit more hopeful. A new electoral law was voted in, dozens of new names have appeared as candidates, and in some electoral districts there are up to nine lists of candidates from which to choose from. In addition to the traditional parties and blocs, a number of civil society groups have emerged and formed a coalition, running in all districts with a total of 66 candidates (the Lebanese parliament consists of 128 seats). The possibility of change is, for once, promising. Though I still believe that putting one’s hope in politics would be foolish, I also believe that not participating in the democratic process in light of these new developments would be irresponsible. So here are three principles that I am following, and which I humbly suggest to others, as we draw closer to the 6^th of May.

First, if you think that the past 28 years since the end of the Lebanese Civil War did not do any good to Lebanon; if you think that our politicians have been more interested in settling war-time personal disputes rather than using negotiating skills to reach political consensus and move the country forward on crucial issues; if you think they have been more interested in building filthy-rich political dynasties rather than working for our country’s economic well-being; then do your utmost to prevent the same people from acceding to parliament for the next 4 years. Despite their “messianic” political slogans, it’s pretty clear that the old political class will bring no change to Lebanon. As the Lebanese proverb states, “if it were going to rain, the skies would have already filled with clouds…”

The New Testament invites us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4.31). This is the secret both to psychological and physical wellbeing. If our politicians are scarred old men, still living out of their war-time wounds, we will never have a healthy country. It is only after we get rid of this bitterness, rage and anger, the apostle Paul continues, that we can be “kind and compassionate to one another,” and “forgive each other.” And this all can only happen once we are able to forgive ourselves, and we can only forgive ourselves when we realize that God forgave us (v. 32).

Second, if you think the electoral campaign of a certain group or block or individual is overly focused on one person, then you may want to question the ability of that group or individual to bring change. What you are up against here is the “cult of personality” syndrome. Take note that most of the traditional political parties in Lebanon practice personality cult. This is baked into our very political language, when we refer to a politician as a za3eem. The word more readily brings to mind the image of a “feudal lord” than that of an accountable civil servant. If the head of the party or block is portrayed as the “savior;” if his (for indeed there are no “she’s” in this game) supporters are so loyal that they are willing to take to the streets, burn tires, or break down storefronts to defend their leader’s “honor” and “family name;” if the electoral campaign seeks to appeal to your “loyalty” to the man rather than to a clear political program; then beware! There is no way that this leader is going to serve the common good rather than his particular group’s interests and his own.

Jesus described this base type of leadership when he told his disciples: “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them” (Mark 10.42). But he dismisses this kind of leader and invites his disciples to be of a different kind: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (vv. 43-44). Jesus himself offered the model for us: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (v. 45).

Third, before deciding which electoral list and which “preferential voice” to vote for (the electoral law allows voters to give an additional vote to one particular candidate within the list they select), consider the basis on which you want to make your choice. Will you be voting with a mindset of “party politics” or with a view to benefitting the “common good”? Party politics focuses on voting for individuals because of their sectarian identity or because they promise to make your group or tribe stronger and more influential in the country. This reinforces the sectarian system that has harmed national institutions and served social tribalism. A voting mindset that seeks to benefit the common good is one that looks for core values and principles in a political party and electoral list; one that studies carefully the various programs and solutions proposed by various parties to some of the most endemic problems of Lebanon.

This 6^th of May, do not let yourself be manipulated. Do not fall prey to fear. Do not follow your more basic tribal and self-protective instincts. Rather be courageous and believe in the possibility of change. Believe that new and well-organized groups, even if unknown (perhaps especially so), if they have a clear political program, will better serve the common good – and you as an individual by extension – than sectarian party politics. If a group or individual are promising to serve you, your tribe, or your sect, beware! What you need is not a political za3eem who promises to fix the roads and pick up the trash in your neighborhood or district on the occasion of elections. What you need is political parties and candidates that commit to serving the common good of the entire country and to working towards the consolidation of all institutions, so that you might benefit from progress at a national level. You are not a vassal seeking protection from a feudal lord. You are a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen, who has the right to live in a civilized and functioning state.