The Lebanese society is rooted in a secular identity and religions are confined to the private sphere of personal beliefs
Objective Number
02
Objective Name
Community
Objective Description
Reach agreement around a core set of values that celebrate diversity and build cohesion whiles making sure no community is marginalized
Vision Description
A Cohesive, Egalitarian, Diverse and Dynamic Society
Scope
Political participation can be loosely defined as citizens’ activities affecting politics
Conventional political participation includes voting, volunteering for a political campaign, making a campaign donation, belonging to activist groups, and serving in public office
Unconventional political participation includes signing petitions, supporting boycotts, and staging demonstrations and protests
Globally, both voter turnout and trust in governments have been plummeting
Indicators
% of participation to elections
Surveys
The World Values Survey (WVS)
The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index (political participation component)
WJP Rule of Law Index (#3)
Problem
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
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
There is no state Ombudsman in Lebanon, making the channels of communication between citizens and the state very complex
The presidential complaints office partially plays that role
Women’s political participation in Lebanon remains one of the lowest percentages in the MENA region
Challenge
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
There is a historical and cultural distrust of government because there is no participatory decision-making
Family, sect, and the state conspire against women’s participation in the public sphere
Existing Policy
Laws and constitution articles on freedom of association and other fundamental rights
Policy Action
Remove barriers to participation
Increase political participation through technological innovation
Implement procedures that make it easier for people to vote