Decoding Lebanon's Elections: The Road Ahead

Описание: Lebanon continues to be in the throes one of the worst economic crises of the past 150 years. The value of the Lebanese Lira is less than 10% of its 2019 value, and in a country that imports almost everything, this has meant an increase in basic goods upwards of 650%. This has translated into the middle class being effectively wiped out, with 80 percent of Lebanese now living in poverty. Basic public services, which had already been lacking for some time, are now effectively non-existent. Many within Lebanon as well as internationally hold Lebanon’s ruling class collectively responsible for the situation. The parliamentary elections held on May 15th were seen by many as an opportunity for Lebanon to vote for change, and while candidates broadly connected to the 2019 protest movement performed well, traditional parties largely held on to their positions.

Is political change coming to Lebanon? Independent and reformist candidates made gains, while some traditional parties lost ground, however, it remains to be seen what impact, if any, the newcomers might be have as Lebanon continues to grapple with a unprecedented economic crisis.