Demonstrators rally around Martyrs Square's second "fist of revolution," the day the first fist was destroyed, November 22, 2019. (Patrick Baz/AFP)
Some constituencies have as many as five lists that align themselves with the thawra (revolution). How do you distinguish between them? It is a delicate choice, given that the programs and their implementation strategies often lack precision and that not all candidates running on the same list have the same positions on the various issues facing Lebanon.
Here, L’Orient-Le Jour highlights what differentiates the protest movement’s lists in each constituency to help you get a clearer picture.
(All information on the constituencies, including the competing lists, is here)
Beirut I
It is the only constituency where the anti-establishment forces managed to make a breakthrough in 2018 by having Paula Yacoubian elected to the Armenian Orthodox seat. In the Beirut I constituency, the electoral threshold is relatively low (some 5,000 votes in 2018) and the opposition seems to be well positioned to repeat what was achieved in 2018, or to do even better. According to observers, it can win one of three Armenian Orthodox seats and the minority seat.
1. Li Watani: civil society + Tahalof Watani (Li Watani)
Brigette Shalabian; Charles Fakhoury; Cynthia Zarazeer; Diana Ohanian; Magi Nanjian; Paula Yacoubian; Ziad Abichaker; Ziad Abbas.
This list presents itself as the main opposition list in the Beirut I constituency. It mainly consists of Tahalof Watani, the party of resigned MP Paula Yacoubian, and has a program that follows the major points of the Oct. 17 protest movement, mainly the fight against corruption and the reform of the state. The list identifies itself as “sovereignist,” meaning it is against Hezbollah and its weapons.
2. Beirut Madinati: Madinati
Jack Jando; Levon Talvazian; Nada Sehnaoui; Pierre Boulos Gemayel; Tarek Ammar.
Very little differentiates this list from that of Paula Yacoubian’s. The two lists were even supposed to be unified. But a last-minute disagreement over the selection of candidates caused the alliance to break up. In the end, the “social-ecological” Madinati party formed a separate list, albeit with the same thematics: anti-corruption, transition to a civil state and Hezbollah’s disarmament. In the 2016 municipal elections, Madinati scored surprisingly well, obtaining some 30 percent of the votes, despite a low turnout.
3. Capable: Citizens in a State (MMFD)(Qadrine)
Charbel Nahas; Mary Lynne Jureidini; Moussa Khoury; Roy Ibrahim.
Charbel Nahas’ party presented 15 lists, one in each constituency. It thus distinguishes itself from other civil society groups with its strategy, which aims through its program — the transition to a civil state, universal medical coverage and having the banks’ owners assume a large part of the losses in the financial system — and lists at the national level to counter the traditional parties that are “confined” to their strongholds. The party considers that the transition to a civil state can only take place through negotiations with the government in place and sees the elections as a kind of referendum. The party’s detractors accuse it of having an ambiguous position on Hezbollah’s weapons, which the candidates firmly deny. In 2018, Nahas was the opposition candidate with the most preferential votes in Lebanon.
4. Sovereign Lebanon: Kataeb, Antoun Sehnaoui (Loubnan el Siyada)
Annie Seferian; Antoine Siryani; Asma Maria Andraos; Jean Talouzian; Leon Semrjian; Nadim Gemayel; Najib Lian; Talar Markoussian.
While this list, which considers itself close to the protest movement, is not accepted as such by all of the thawra’s components. The reason is that it includes Nadim Gemayel, a traditional figure of the Kataeb party, and Jean Talouzian, a protégé of SGBL Antoun Sehnaoui. The main thematics addressed by the list’s candidates are Hezbollah’s disarmament and Lebanon’s neutrality. However, the list is accused of having an ambiguous position on an overhaul of the banking system, against a background of a conflict of interest.
Beirut II
Historically, this is the main stronghold of Saad Hariri and his party. But the absence of the blue party from the electoral landscape, whose leader withdrew from politics in January, creates a vacuum in the political arena. Could this work in favor of the opposition?
1. Beirut the Change: protest groups (Beirut el Taghyir)
Samah Halwani, Fatima Mushrif, Ibrahim Mneimneh, Iman Tabbara, Waddah Sadek, Rashdi Qabbani, Ali Abbas, Mahmoud Fakih, Hani al-Ahmadiyyeh, Nohad Yazbek, Melhem Khalaf.
It presents itself as the main opposition list in the Beirut II constituency. It includes parties such as the National Bloc, Beirut Touqawem and Khat Ahmar, as well as independent figures such as former Beirut Bar Association president Melhem Khalaf, candidate for the Greek Orthodox seat. Although the list is relatively heterogeneous, its main components share common policies, such as Hezbollah’s disarmament, the fight against corruption, a secular state and the rights of women and marginalized groups.
2. Beirut Madinati : Madinati
Sarah Yassine, Faisal Temrawi, Nahida Khalil, Rima Abo Shakra, Maha al-Rasi, Paula Rabiyz.
Once again, very little distinguishes the Beirut Madinati list from the Beirut the Change list. Initially, Madinati was to join the joint opposition list. However, a last-minute disagreement over the selection of candidates caused the alliance to break up. Madinati is known for its stong environmental and feminist positions. In the 2016 municipal elections, the party scored surprisingly high, obtaining some 30 percent of the votes.
3. Capable: MMFD (Charbel Nahas) (Qadrine)
Omar Sabra, Ali Rida Shiran, Mohamad Nasser, Wiam Dallal, Hadi Hosni, Alexi Haddad.
Charbel Nahas’s party distinguishes itself by presenting a national strategy in each of the 15 constituencies. What is true for Beirut I (see program), is therefore true for all other constituencies in Lebanon.
4. Beirut Needs a Heart: Fouad Makhzoumi + independents (Beirut Bedda Qaleb)
Fouad Makhzoumi, Abdellatif Itani, Hassan Kashli, Khaled Chbaklo, Mazen Shabaro, Nabil Najja, Olfat Sabeh, Lina Hamdan, Zeina Mounzer, Omar Dabbaghi, Zeina Majdelani.
MP Fouad Makhzoumi also presented a list. Positioning himself as a standard-bearer of the struggle against Hezbollah’s weapons, he is, however, accused by a portion of the public of being opportunistic, as he did not display the same radical position against Hezbollah before the 2019 protest movement. Although allied with the thawra figures, the tycoon does not seek an overhaul of Lebanon’s political system, favoring instead an application of the constitution and the Taif Agreement.
5. So Beirut Stays: Sawa li Lubnan (of Bahaa Hariri) (Li Tabka Beirut)
Rasha Itani, Khloud el-Wattar, Iyad Merhi, Fouad Deek, Mohamed Shehab, Samir Halabi, Dalal Rahbani, Nicolas Saba.
This list, which presents itself as part of civil society, is supported by Sawa li Lubnan, of Bahaa Hariri, the brother of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Despite his pro-thawra stance, he is rejected by a large number of the protest groups, which accuse him of seeking to inherit his brother’s leadership on Sunni politics. The list does not present a clear program, but rather limits itself to slogans calling to liberate the government from “corruption and occupation.”
Mont-Liban I : Kesrouan Jbeil
Historically, this constituency is a stronghold of President Michel Aoun. However, the fact that several figures, such as Neemat Frem and Chamel Roukoz, have deserted the party founded by the president, has weakened the FPM this time around. Frem is now positioning himself as the standard-bearer of the protest, even if he does not have unanimous support among all its groups.
1. We are the change: Protest Movement (Nahna el Taghyir)
Jbeil: Rania Bassil; Ghassan Germanos; Talal Mokdad. Kesrouan: Zeina Kallab; Simon Sfeir.
This list, which does not include traditional figures, is believed to represent the “purist” wing of the thawra. Its program takes up the main thematics of the protest movement, including the fight against corruption, “sovereignty” and the commitment to the democratic system and individual freedoms. The list also stresses the importance of safeguarding deposits stuck in banks, and accuses the political class of protecting the banks’ shareholders at the expense of ordinary citizens.
2. The Cry of a Nation: Neemat Frem + Kataeb + National Bloc (Sarkhat Watan)
Jbeil: Najwa Bassil; Nawfal Nawfal; Amir Mokdad. Kesrouan: Neemat Frem; Wajdi Tabet; Salim Sayegh; Josephine Zgheib; Julie Daccache.
After having left the Aounist bloc, Neemat Frem has positioned himself as a defender of the protest movement’s demands. This list, which includes the businessman, the Kataeb party and the National Bloc, focuses its discourse on Hezbollah’s disarmament. The independence of the judiciary and reforming the political system toward a secular and decentralized model are also put forward. Frem, who is close to the Maronite patriarch, also espouses Bkirki’s position when it comes to Lebanon’s “positive neutrality” on the international stage.
3 . Freedom is a Choice: Fares Souaid + Mansour el-Bon (El Hurriyé Qarar)
Jbeil: Fares Souaid; Assaad Rashdan; Mashhur Haidar Ahmad. Kesrouan: Bahjat Salameh; Mansour el-Bon; Moussa Mansour Zgheib.
Former MP Fares Souaid was initially supposed to ally with Neemat Frem, but he ended up putting together his own list, due to a lack of agreement on the distribution of votes. The list, which Souaid admits is relatively heterogeneous, has not presented a clear program, but the former MP is known for his positions towards Hezbollah and its weapons. He considers Lebanon to be “under Iranian occupation.”
4. Capable: Citizens in a State (MMFD) (Qadrine)
Jbeil: Dominique Tarabay; Farah Nasser. Kesrouan: Boutros Khalil; Charbel Freiha.
Charbel Nahas’s party distinguishes itself by presenting a national strategy in each of the 15 constituencies. What is true for Beirut I (see program), is therefore true for all other constituencies in Lebanon.
Mont-Liban II: Metn
In this constituency, which is considered to be relatively safe territory for Kataeb, some figures of the protest movement have chosen to form an alliance with Samy Gemayel, while others opted to be on an alternative list.
1. Metn the Change: Kataeb + independents (Metn el Taghyir)
Samy Gemayel, Elias Hankach, Krikor Mardikian, Mona Sukkar, Rima Noujaim, Samir Saliba, Semaan Bou Fadel
Kataeb, which is generally popular in Metn, is running on a list jointly with independent opposition figures. The list’s program is based on reforming the political system towards a decentralized model, disarming Hezbollah and fighting corruption.
2. Towards the State: supported by Citizens in a State (of Charbel Nahas) and protest movement figures (Nahou el Daoula)
Shaden Maalouf, Jad Ghosn, Lucien Bou Rjeili, Miriam Jaber, Verena Amel
The list is the result of an alliance between MMFD and independent figures. The list’s program focuses on reforming the political system towards a secular state and holding bank owners responsible for a large part of the losses of the financial system. The list’s members are also critical of clientelism and corruption and have taken positions in favor of women’s and minority rights.
3. Sovereignists of the Metn: supported by Alfred Riachi, a profederalism politician (Matniyoun Siyadiyoun)
Alfred Riachi, Shadi Bechara, Shant Sarafian, Paul Nakouzi, Romanos Raad, Wael Saqr
This list, which consists of independent figures, is in line with “sovereignist” positions on major points, such as Lebanon’s neutrality and Hezbollah’s disarmament. Regarding the political system, some candidates such as Alfred Riachi expressed positions in favor of a federalist model in Lebanon, rather than the transition to a civil state. The list does not address the issue of an overhaul of the banking system.
Mount Lebanon III: Baabda
It is above all the third Maronite seat that is at stake in this constituency, which is perceived as an FPM stronghold. Will sidelining Hikmat Dib, incumbent Aounist MP for the district, benefit the opposition?
1. Baabda the Change: National Bloc + protest groups (Baabda el Taghyir)
Abir Naji; Wassef Harakeh; Michel Helou; Robert Khalifeh; Ziad Akl.
It is the only complete list presented by the protest movement in Baabda, and the only one that includes a woman. Its program is based on the transition to a civil state, the respect for individual freedoms, the state’s monopoly over arms and the independence of the judiciary’s. The candidates also plan to establish a social safety net, including universal health coverage.
2. Baabda Revolts: former Aounists + independent figures (Baabda Tantafed)
Ramzi Kanj; Naim Aoun; Khalil Helou; Jean Abi Younes.
Supported by former FPM members as well as the Kataeb, the list focuses its program on disarming Hezbollah and fighting corruption. The reform of the political system and the economic recovery plan are not mentioned in the policy program it has announced.
3. We are the Change: protest groups (Nahna el Taghyir)
Michel Chamoum; Osama el-Aawar; Pierre Baaklini.
This list, composed of figures of the protest movement, presented a program based on the implementation of international resolutions related to Lebanon’s sovereignty, the decentralization and the return of deposits stuck in banks. The fight against corruption and the independence of the judiciary are also important parts of the program.
4. Capable: Citizens in a State (MMFD), led by Charbel Nahas (Qadrine)
Ali Darwish; Mohamad Saqr; Rani Rajji.
Charbel Nahas’s party distinguishes itself by presenting a national strategy in each of the 15 constituencies. What is true for Beirut I (see program), is therefore true for all other constituencies in Lebanon.
Mount Lebanon IV: Chouf-Aley
This is the constituency where there are the most seats to be filled, and therefore the constituency where the electoral threshold is the lowest. Here, there is competition for a Sunni seat and a Maronite seat in Chouf. Some candidates even believe that the Druze seat of Talal Arslan in Aley is up for grabs.
1. United for Change: protest groups (Twahadba lal Taghyir)
Chouf: Rania Ghaith, Shukri Haddad, Halima Qaakour, Imad Seifeddine, Saoud Abu Shabel, Najat Aoun Saliba, Ghada Marouni Eid. Aley: Alaa Sayegh, Marc Daou, Zoya Jureidini, Jad Bejjani, Fadi Abi Alam.
This list, which is the only list made up completely of opposition candidates in the Mount Lebanon IV constituency, aims to be the most representative of the different protest groups. Supported by movements such as Lana, Taqaddom and the Green Party of Lebanon, the list’s program is based on the transition to a civil state, an emphasis on the state’s monopoly over arms and the fight against corruption. Women’s rights and social justice are highlighted by these candidates.
2. Your Vote is a Revolution: independent figures (Sawtak Thaoura)
Chouf: Jihad Zebian, Maadad Abu Ali, Samir Aakoum, Mohammed Hajjar, Michel Abu Suleiman, Jamal Merhej, Gabi Azzi. Aley: Wassim Haidar, Raed Abdel Khalek, Imad el-Hajj.
Formed by independent figures, this list also intends to represent the thawra. Although this list has not presented a clear program, it has three central thematics: ending the exodus of young people, the return of deposits and the preservation of the environment.
3. The Mountain Revolts: independents (Al Jabal Yantafed)
Chouf: Zeina Mansour, Akram Breich, Nabil Khalil Mchantaf, Abdullah Abu Abdullah. Aley: Mohsen Aridi, Salman Abdel Khalek, Lyon Sioufi, Tabet George Tabet.
This third list also wants to represent the thawra. While it has not unveiled a clear program, it espouses the same thematics as the other opposition groups, such as the fight against corruption and the return of deposits. While advocating for a secular state, some candidates from the list have also called for the Druze community to take a larger role in politics.
4. Sovereignty of a Nation: independent politicians + Jamaa Islamiya (Siyadat Watan)
Chouf: Hisham Zebian, Mohammad al-Chamaa, Maamoun Malak, George Silwan, Daad Azzi, Joyce Maroun. Aley: Atallah Wehbe, Nabil Yazbeck, Walid Chahine.
The list, made up of independents and former members of the National Liberal Party, is also supported by Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, a moderate Islamist group. Its program is based on the “resistance to the Iranian occupation,” the application of the constitution, Lebanon’s international neutrality and reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. The candidates also plan to support the productive sectors in order to create jobs.
5. Capable: Citizens in a State (MMFD) (Qadrine)
Chouf: Ayman Zeineddine, Khaled Saad, Imad Farran, Joseph Tohmeh. Aley: Marwan Imad, Nagham Halabi.
Charbel Nahas’s party distinguishes itself by presenting a national strategy in each of the 15 constituencies. What is true for Beirut I (see program), is therefore true for all other constituencies in Lebanon.
South I: Saida-Jezzine
Saida-Jezzine is the smallest constituency in the country, and therefore the one with the highest electoral threshold. Will Hariri’s absence allow the opposition to get over the critical threshold of 20 percent?
1. We are the Change: protest movement groups (Nahna el Taghyir)
Robert Khoury, Sleiman Malek, Joseph Asmar, Hania Zaatari, Mohammad Zarif.
This list is supported by protest movement figures and groups in Saida, such as Madinati. Its program is based on the fight against corruption, the independence of the judiciary and putting in place an economic recovery plan. The list also promises to fight for the right of women to pass down their citizenship to their children and the development of a public transport network.
2. The Voice of Change: Independants (Sawt el Taghyir)
Joseph Mitri, Mohamad Tahra, Rana el-Tawil
This list is formed by figures close to the protest movement. However, it has not publicly expressed any clear positions so far.
3. We Vote for Change: Osama Saad + independants (Nantakheb lal Taghyir)
Jamil Dagher, Charbel Masaad, Kamil Serhal, Abdel Rahman Bizri, Osama Saad.
Incumbent MP Osama Saad, who has distanced himself from the March 8 camp since the Oct. 17 uprising, formed the list with Abdel Rahman Bizri, a leading doctor in the fight against COVID-19. His national program includes the transition to a modern and democratic state, while at the local level, the candidates promise to modernize public transport and the Port of Saida.
4. Capable (Qadrine)
Ahmad al-Assi, Elie Aboutas, Emilio Matar, Ismail Hafouda.
Charbel Nahas’s party distinguishes itself by presenting a national strategy in each of the 15 constituencies. What is true for Beirut I (see program), is therefore true for all other constituencies in Lebanon.
South II: Sur-Zahrany
Nabih Berri’s stronghold, the South II constituency is a key constituency for the Shiite parties Amal and Hezbollah, which want to appear unshaken by the protest movement. In the face of growing intimidation, will the opposition groups be able to break through?
1. Toward Change : supported by protest movement groups + MMFD (Nahou el Taghyir)
Ali Khalifeh, Ayman Mrouwe, Hatem Halawi, Hicham Hayek, Mohamad Ayoub, Roua Fares, Sarah Sweidan
This list, which includes the main opposition figures in the constituency, proposes a program based on the transition to a secular and decentralized state, social protection through free education and medical care, an overhaul of the banking system and an independent judiciary. Thematics such as the rights of women and minorities are also valued by the candidates. Regarding Hezbollah’s weapons, they suggest counting on a national defense strategy.
2. The Inclusive State (Hadina): supported by pro-resistance Shiite figures (Al Dawla el Hadina)
Boushra al-Khalil, Hassan Khalil, Riad al-Asaad, Yousef Khalifeh
This list mainly opposes Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and his Amal Movement, while maintaining a conciliatory rhetoric towards Hezbollah and its weapons. Its program includes a forensic audit of the state’s accounts, an overhaul of the banking system and digitization of the administration. Boushra al-Khalil, a candidate on this list, has also taken positions opposed to LGBTQ+ and minority’ rights.
South III : Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun and Hasbaya
Also considered safe territory for Amal and Hezbollah , there are 11 seats in this constituency, which considerably lowers the electoral threshold. How to break the electoral glacis in the South?
1. Together towards Change: protest movement groups + Communist Party +MMFD (Ma'an Nahou el Taghyir)
Ali Mrad; Ali Wehbe, Elias Jaradeh; Firas Hamdan; Hassan Bazzi; Ibrahim Mahmoud Abdallah; Khalil Deeb; Mohamed Qaadaan; Nizar Rammal; Wafic Rihan; Wassim Ghandour.
This list is in direct confrontation with the Amal and Hezbollah. It works for a secular and decentralized system, to ensure the independence of the judiciary, modernize the laws on the creation of political parties so as to “put an end to the militias,” and to overhaul the banking system. Social issues, such as health coverage and free education, are also key matters in its program.
2. Voice of the South: incomplete list made of independents (Sawt el Jnoub)
Abbas Sharfeddine; Hussein al-Shaer; Karim Hamdan; Mahmoud Sheaib.
This incomplete list, from which one candidate has already withdrawn, promises to “take revenge” on the political class. However, it does not present a clear program.
North I: Akkar
on the front line during the Oct. 17 protest movement, the reformist groups in Akkar hope to translate this mobilization into seats in Parliament. Saad Hariri’s absence makes this task easier, but the multiplication of lists makes it complicated.
1. Akkar Revolts: supported by groups close to the protest movement groups. (Akkar Tantafed)
Abdelrazak Kilani, Khaled Daher, Muhammad Musulmani, Nizar Ibrahim, Reine Sawan.
It presents itself as the main opposition list in Akkar. Its program focuses on the implementation of the constitution and the transition to a non-sectarian and decentralized state, as well as a national defense strategy. It advocates the independence of the judiciary. The candidates also promise to safeguard Lebanon’s relations with Arab countries.
2. Akkar the Change: supported by groups close to the protest movement (Akkar el Taghyir)
Berri el-Assaad, Edgar Daher, Jinane Hamdan, Khaled Alloush, Loris Raii, Mohamad Badra, Wafa Jamil (withdrew from the race).
This list, from which a candidate withdrew, did not present a clear program. However, it is in the bosom of the thawra.
3. Towards Citizenship: supported by Citizens in a State (Charbel Nahas) + the Communist Party. (Nahou el Muwatana)
Ahmad Mustafa, Ghaith Mahmoud, Michel Taoum, Nazih Ibrahim, Ralph Daher, Roula Mrad.
The list bases its political program on the establishment of a “secular and just” state, universal social coverage and the overhaul of the banking system, advocating that the main portion of financial losses be assumed by the shareholders of the financial sector. The list also plans to “develop the state’s defense capacities to serve as the sole defender of the society.”
4. Awakening for Akkar: supported by Sawa li Lubnan of Bahaa Hariri. (El Nouhoud li Akkar)
Nafez Waraq, Haitham Chebib, Mahmoud Hadara, Mohsen Ahmad Hussein, Saadallah Hamad, Tanios Khoury, Wassim Meraabi.
This list is supported by Bahaa Hariri , brother of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, and his Sawa li Lubnan. Despite his pro-thawra stance, he is rejected by a large part of the protest movement, which accuses him of wanting to inherit his brother’s leadership of Sunni politics. The list presents a draft program, centered around “the protection of the Lebanese entity.”
North II : Tripoli, Minyeh-Dinnieh
The protest movement is betting on the enduring anger of the registered voters in this constituency. This area, known as the poorest in Lebanon and rocked by several tragedies in recent years, could witness a surprising breakthrough by the protest groups, unless the voters, mostly Sunni, abstain.
1. Revolt for Justice and Sovereignty: protest groups + National Bloc (Entafed lil 'Adala wal Siyada)
Camille Mourani, Ghaleb Osman, Haider Nasser, Hind Soufi, Malek Maoulaoui, Mohamed Khalil, Mustapha el-Awak, Rami Fanj, Zakaria Messeikeh
It presents itself as the main protest movement list in the North II constituency. Its program is based on decentralization, the revival of the Tripoli port and the rail network, and the independence of the judiciary. The candidates also identify themselves as “sovereignists,” working for “peace among the Lebanese.”
2. Dawn of Change: formed by groups close to the protest movement (Fajr el Taghyir)
Abdul Aziz Tartousi, Anthony Eid, Bilal Shaaban, Hisham Ibrahim, Mohamad Alameddine, Muhamed Gebara, Rabieh Sibai
This list, which aligns itself with the protest movement, did not present a concrete program.
3. Ambition of the Youth: Independents (Tumuh el Chabab)
Adnan Bakour, Mahmoud el-Mir, Mustapha Hussain, Omar Masri, Raed Tabaa
This list, which aligns itself with the protest movement, did not present a concrete program.
4. Capable: Citizens in a State (Charbel Nahas) (Qadrine)
Shafiq Hassoun, Misbah Rajab, Muhammad Zreika, Nidal Abderrahman, Obeida Takriti
Charbel Nahas’s party distinguishes itself by presenting a national strategy in each of the 15 constituencies. What is true for Beirut I (see program), is therefore true for all other constituencies in Lebanon.
5. The Third Republic: backed by Omar Harfouche (Al Joumhouria el Talita)
Abdel Rahim Dergham, Ahmad Ali, Alfred Dawra, Diala Osta, Doha Ahmad, Janet Frangieh, Muhammad Omar Zureika, Nazih Zawad, Omar Harfouche
Centered around Omar Harfouche, a businessman with a nefarious reputation, the list presents a draft program based on the transition to a secular state. Some rival candidates accuse the list of being implicitly supported by the FPM, which Harfouche denies.
6. Stability and Development: Sawa li Lubnan of Bahaa Hariri (El Estekrar wal Inmaa)
Abdel Chami, Basil Osta, Dima Dennaoui, Fadi Khair, Kamel Bakour, Mayez al-Jundi, Michel Khoury, Saleh Deeb, Susan Ksaha, Yunis Hassan.
This list is supported by the Sawa li Lubnan movement of Bahaa Hariri, brother of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Despite his pro-thawra stance, he is rejected by a large part of the protest movement which accuses him of wanting to inherit his brother’s Sunni leadership. The list does not present a clear program and witnessed withdrawals.
North III : Batroun, Koura, Bcharre, Zghorta
The mother of all Christian battles, the elections in this constituency can be seen as linked to the presidential elections scheduled for later this year. It is also the only constituency where the protest movement held internal primary elections. Will it be able to shake the various presidential candidates in their own fiefdoms?
1. Shamaluna: Protest movement + National Bloc
Batroun: Rabih Shaer; Layal Bou Moussa
Koura: Fadwa Nassif; Jihad Farah; Simon Bachawati
Bcharre: Koshaya Sassine; Riad Tawk
Zghorta: Chaden Daif; Michel Chawki Douaihy; Gistelle Semaan
Formed following internal elections, Shamaluna is seen as the main protest list in the North III constituency. While the list is relatively heterogeneous, its members agree on a series of thematics: disarming Hezbollah and shifting the political system towards a secular and decentralized system. Some candidates, such as Riad Tawk, want the political system to remain untouched as long as Hezbollah is armed. Societal issues, such as women’s rights and health coverage, are also on the table.
2. The North of the Confrontation: Kataeb + Michel Moawad + Majd Harb + a part of the protest movement groups (Chamal al Muwajaha)
Batroun: Majd Harb; Joelle Howeik
Koura: Emile Fayad; Adib Abdelmassih; Bridgette Khayr
Bcharre: Rachid Rahmeh
Zghorta: Tony Mardini; Michel Moawad; Jawad Boulos.
This list, which includes traditional opposition figures including Majd Harb and Michel Moawad, focuses its political discourse on disarming Hezbollah. It also talks about shifting to a civil and decentralized state, affirming Lebanon’s neutrality and ensuring a free and fair economic model. Although the list promised a fair distribution of the losses, it is accused by part of the thawra of having an ambiguous position on the restructuring of the banking system.
3. We Can Change: Citizens in a State of Charbel Nahas and the Lebanese Communist Party (Qadrine Nghayir)
Batroun: Jean Khayrallah
Koura: Anis Nehme; Zeina Nabtis; Bassem Sneij
Bcharre: Marie-Joe Matar
Zghorta: Maroun Mahfoud.
Charbel Nahas’s party distinguishes itself by presenting a national strategy in each of the 15 constituencies. What is true for Beirut I (see program), is therefore true for all other constituencies in Lebanon.
4. Awaken Your Voice: independants (Wa'i Sawtak)
Batroun: Myrna Khoury-Hanna
Koura: Mousa Louka; Bassam Ghantous
Bcharre: George Butros
Zghorta: Antoine Yammine
This incomplete list announced a draft program, including “respecting the constitution,” “lifting parliamentary immunities” and health care to all Lebanese.
Bekaa I: Zahle
In this multi-faith constituency where traditional families play a predominant role, the absence of Hariri raises questions on the vote of the Sunni voters (30 percent). Will the void benefit the protest movement?
1. Capable: Citizens in a State (MMFD) (Qadrine)
Ghassan Hmaimes; Petra Samaha; Rami Abou Eid; Rania el-Meis.
Charbel Nahas’s party distinguishes itself by presenting a national strategy in each of the 15 constituencies. What is true for Beirut I (see program), is therefore true for all other constituencies in Lebanon.
2. The Independent Sovereignists : Michel Daher + Kataeb + protest movement figures. (Siyadoun Mustaqeloun)
Firas Abu Hamdan; Martine Demergian; Michel Daher; Omar Halablab; Samir Sader; Youssef Qaraouni.
Centered around incumbent MP Michel Daher, who withdrew from the Aounist bloc in 2019, this list is rejected by part of the thawra. It presents a program based on decentralization, the development of the Bekaa Valley, the state’s monopoly over arms and the independence of the judiciary.
3. Zahle Revolts: protest movement. (Zahle Tantafed)
Ammar Sabori; Armen Isfahani; Eid Azar; Hamza Mita; Jihad Turk.
Aligning itself with the opposition, this list presents a draft program based on the state’s monopoly over arms, the judiciary’s independence and the fight against corruption.
4. Speech and Action: protest movement. (Al Qawl wal Fe'el)
Ali Mahdi ; Fouad Khoury; Imad Chamoun; Omar Khayyam Maalouf; Samar Adham.
Aligning itself with the opposition, this list presents a program based on the transition to a secular and decentralized state, the development of the Lebanese university and the promotion of partnerships between the public and private sectors.
5. Change: protest movement. (Al Taghyir)
Hussein el-Khatib; Khalil Younes; Leena Koukjian; Rida el-Meis ; Tanios Khoury.
Aligning itself with the opposition, this list did not present a clear program.
Bekaa II : West Bekaa-Rachaya
In this Hariri stronghold partially won by the Sunni leader in 2018, the protest movement is positioning itself as the last defense against the pro-Syrian camp led by Hassan Mrad.
1. Capable: MMFD (Qadrine)
Farah Kassem, Ghada Ghanem, Maguy Mhanna, Osama Abu Zeid.
Charbel Nahas’s party distinguishes itself by presenting a national strategy in each of the 15 constituencies. What is true for Beirut I (see program), is therefore true for all other constituencies in Lebanon.
2. Sahlouna wal Jabal : protest groups
Bahaa El din Dallal, Hatem el-Kheshen, Maggy Aoun, Sally Shamia, Yasin Ahmed Yasin.
This list, which brings together the main protest groups, presents a program based on the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and sectarianism, lowering the voting age to 18 years old and adopting a quota for women in parliament. The list also includes the development of a health coverage system, especially for senior citizens.
3. Towards Change: Kataeb + independants (Nahou el Taghyir)
Alaeddine Shemali, Amer Qadoura, Chawki Abou GhoSh, Guita Ojeil.
This list is formed by the Kataeb party, which strictly opposes Hezbollah’s weapons and is in favor of reforms, but is not accepted by all components of the thawra.
Bekaa III: Baalbeck-Hermel
While Hezbollah usually entrusts the organization of elections in the South to its allies in the Amal movement, the party itself is handling the elections in Baalbeck-Hermel. This sign points to the importance of this constituency where Hassan Nasrallah’s party wishes to continue to enjoy a majority.
1. The Coalition For Change: protest movement. (Eetilaf el Taghyir)
Talal Makdisi; Khaled Solh; Mohamed Mahmoud Hujeiri; Ali Abi Raad; Osama Shamas; Sami Toufayli; Sharif Sleiman; Abbas Yaghi; Yousef Fakhry.
Positioning itself as the main opposition list in Baalbeck-Hermel, its program focuses on the establishment of a civil and social state and ensuring universal health coverage. The list also includes agreement on a national defense strategy, safeguarding women’s rights and fighting corruption.
2. Independents Against Corruption: protest movement. (Mustaqeline dod el Fasad)
Abdallah Aad; Ahmed Carnaby; Ali Abdel Hamid; Hassan Mazloum; Ahmad Chokr; Hussein Darwish; Imad Nasreddine; Hani Shamas; Chawki Fakhry.
This list focuses its program on the fight against corruption. It does not present a clear political program.
3. Capable: Citizens in a State (of Charbel Nahas) (Qadrine)
Michel Mhanna; Mohamed Jabbawi; Sarah Zaiter; Daher Amhaz.
Charbel Nahas’s party distinguishes itself by presenting a national strategy in each of the 15 constituencies. What is true for Beirut I (see program), is therefore true for all other constituencies in Lebanon.
This story was originally published in French in L'Orient-le Jour, and translated by Joelle Khoury.