The Lebanese society is rooted in a secular identity and religions are confined to the private sphere of personal beliefs

Reach agreement around a core set of values that celebrate diversity and build cohesion whiles making sure no community is marginalized

1. Political participation can be loosely defined as citizens’ activities affecting politics
2. Conventional political participation includes voting, volunteering for a political campaign, making a campaign donation, belonging to activist groups, and serving in public office
3. Unconventional political participation includes signing petitions, supporting boycotts, and staging demonstrations and protests
4. Globally, both voter turnout and trust in governments have been plummeting

1. % of participation to elections
2. Surveys
3. The World Values Survey (WVS)
4. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index (political participation component)
5. WJP Rule of Law Index (#3)

1. This lack of democratic participation and accountability processes is a direct result of Lebanon’s political and economic past and the legal framework in which the Lebanese institutions operate
2. With a lack of trust in government, law, and the judicial process, it is not surprising that bribery and other forms of corruption occur on a regular basis
3. There is no state Ombudsman in Lebanon, making the channels of communication between citizens and the state very complex
4. The presidential complaints office partially plays that role
5. Women’s political participation in Lebanon remains one of the lowest percentages in the MENA region

1. The weak relationship between citizens and the state has a negative impact on public accountability, separation of powers, the efficiency of public institutions and thereby weakens the integrity system as a whole
2. There is a historical and cultural distrust of government because there is no participatory decision-making
3. Family, sect, and the state conspire against women’s participation in the public sphere

1. Remove barriers to participation
2. Increase political participation through technological innovation
3. Implement procedures that make it easier for people to vote