There is hope for Lebanon. Most of our problems can be resolved. Sectarianism, foreign interventions, crippling debt, corruption, deteriorating public institutions, and many other issues can be tackled if Lebanese vote for competent and honest leaders.
As 2013 elections get closer, Lebanese should actively promote people that have two major qualities. They should be effective at improving our quality of life, and have strong moral values to serve the public interest.
If we want a better future in Lebanon then there is only one way forward: we should promote effective leaders, reward courage and integrity, and punish corruption and dishonesty.Georges Sassine
The ultimate goal of elections is to have a government that is able to solve today’s most urgent problems. Unfortunately, the past several administrations have been paralyzed and Lebanese citizens are deeply frustrated with its political class. The blame is on the electoral law, money in politics, the constitution, and geopolitical developments. But the answer is not only in improving Lebanon’s social contract. We need to hire better leaders on Election Day. Our choice of people matters. Because the right people can make a poor organizational structure work well; and people with poor leadership will make the best possible organizational structure work miserably.
Therefore Lebanese need to elect leaders with the abilities to get the job done. They should have the right economic and public policy skills but should also be capable to navigate the reality of the Lebanese system.
To be effective, politicians should surround themselves with the right team. For Ministers this involves the appointment of government servants. But many Lebanese ministers find that they cannot choose or change ministry employees. The reality is that the appointment process is often paralyzed in Lebanon over tensions between candidates’ competency, religion, and loyalty.
These constraints can be circumvented. For example, a Lebanese official recently faced fierce resistance from employees affiliated to opposing political parties. Not being able to replace them, he promoted them. He gave them a disguised promotion where they were given more prestigious titles but lost their previous powers. And there are many other tactics that a pragmatist can use to navigate the reality of the Lebanese political process.
Our leaders should also have the ability to compromise and build consensus. Today, Lebanon is at a standstill and the Lebanese government ineffective. The underlying issues of disagreement will surely not be resolved overnight but the only way forward is to focus on goals we all completely share. The effective leader will not compromise on principles but should be willing to cooperate with opponents to improve daily socioeconomic issues. Lebanon is a “consensus democracy” and can only be governed by leaders who are consensus-builders.
This is why we should draw lessons from the successes and failures of Lebanese politicians. An open meeting should be called with current and past public officials to share their experiences. These lessons on how to effectively govern in Lebanon should be passed on from one generation to the next.
The second quality Lebanese should look for in their leaders is strong moral values. Lebanon needs more honesty, integrity, and courage in its leaders.
Some people might think that politics and ethics cannot coexist, especially in a country like Lebanon. But I believe that there is no inconsistency between ideals and realistic possibilities.Georges Sassine
However, some people might think that politics and ethics cannot coexist, especially in a country like Lebanon. But I believe that deep convictions are not incompatible with the most practical of things. There is no inconsistency between ideals and realistic possibilities. It is actually not realistic to solve problems unguided by moral values. And it happens that in the context of Lebanese politics moral principles have prevailed.
Each of us can think of Lebanese citizens, soldiers, and statesmen that showed character at decisive moments in Lebanon’s history. To start with Prince Fakhr-al-Dine who fought for the sovereignty of modern Lebanon. Bechara el Khouri, Riyad el Solh and several others who gained Lebanon’s independence from the French mandate, and other modern examples to draw upon.
Examining their successes and failures has led me to believe that Lebanon’s best interest will be fulfilled by those who are absolutely determined to act upon their conscience. Lebanon will be best served by people whose self-respect is more important than their popularity with others; and those with morals and values stronger than their desire to maintain office.
Some people might be cynical about their vote making a difference. But they should remember that despite the many fallacies of Lebanon’s electoral system they have the free choice of vote through the secret ballot. Lebanese citizens possess what many are longing for in other Arab countries: the freedom of choosing their own representatives and vote upon their personal conviction. Down the line it will make a difference.
If we want a better future in Lebanon then there is only one way forward: we should promote effective leaders, reward courage and integrity, and punish corruption and dishonesty.
Georges Pierre Sassine is a public policy expert and Harvard University alumnus.
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