Observers: the Lebanese elect today to reduce influence of Hezbollah

NEWS DESK

Al-Arab newspaper said in an article published on Sunday morning  "The Lebanese are now choosing their representatives in parliament for the first time in nearly 10 years. There have been sharp political divisions resulting from Hezbollah interference in Syria and the division of the Lebanese political scene between its supporters and opponents to involve Lebanon in a war that has nothing to gain, but can bring him a lot of trouble starting with the infiltration of militant fighters into its territory, to the millions of refugees who are crowding its citizens on everything.

The newspaper pointed out that the electoral campaign that "reflected the desire, albeit limited, to punish Hezbollah for participation in the Syrian war and the repercussions of its results on Lebanon, especially that this participation hijacked the political and media attention and marginalized the real issues of concern to the Lebanese. The elections will be held according to a new law based on the proportional system, is expected to keep this system on the traditional political forces under the dome of parliament with a limited change is likely in the balance of power in favor of the new alliances that were formed to confront Hezbollah, whose statements are linked to the leaders of Syria and Iran in a way that could be described as a non-Lebanese party."

The newspaper quoted analysts as pointing out that Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah had only paid attention to Lebanon and his issues during the recent election campaigns, fearing losing the party's positions and influence, which could send strong signals to the outside that it could no longer be a strong paper. To compromise their regional role and impose compromises with them.

Saad Hariri, the leader of the Future Movement, the current prime minister, is trying to reduce the influence of Hezbollah and his allies, albeit in a limited way, in a message aimed at asserting that the Lebanese actually support a policy of distancing themselves from regional conflicts and from politics. And that Hezbollah needs to review its external relations to spare Lebanon the Israeli strikes on the one hand, and on the other, to create a positive atmosphere to correct Lebanon's Arab and international relations, allowing the influx of financial support, investments and tourists to save the declining economy.

Hezbollah is campaigning fiercely, reflecting skepticism about the outcome of the new law, which offers once safe seats. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has repeatedly urged his supporters to participate strongly in the voting process.

The 128-seat parliament is being voted for under a new complex law based on relativity, reshaping constituencies and replacing the old law in which the result is decided by a simple majority. Seats in parliament are divided among sectarian groups according to the power-sharing system.

Although Hariri is expected to lose some of his 33 seats in 2009, analysts believe he will emerge in the largest Sunni bloc. Nevertheless, his position as the dominant Sunni in Lebanon could face a challenge as Sunni Arab allies and wealthy businesspersons are running as independents.

West Beirut is one of the main Sunni areas of competition, an old stronghold of Hariri. In a speech on Thursday, Hariri said the lists, each made up of eight candidates and competing with the Future Movement there, amounted to a Hezbollah plot.

Mr. Hariri said the next government should be set up quickly to press ahead with economic reforms demanded by donor countries and institutions to release the billions of dollars they pledged in April to support the faltering economy.

Lebanon must urgently address one of the world's highest levels of public debt, which is more than 150 percent of GDP.

"In an attempt to break the traditional polarization, several groups and personalities from civil society have formed a coalition of all of us patriots, who are participating in the battle with 66 candidates in nine constituencies, presenting themselves as" the alternative and the beginning of the dream of change."

Says Paula Yacoubian, Paula Yaqobian a candidate for the National Alliance in Beirut said" There is a very corrupt team, and there is a stream of brave people who are trying to tell them, 'We are not satisfied."

But the challenges seem too big to get votes. A survey showed that the increase in participation would not exceed 1 percent compared to 2009 (more than 50 percent).

(T/S)

ANHA