Country in crisis, Lebanese vote, young candidates keep hope –

Because there are obstacles. The power of the Shiite militant and political Hezbollah is experienced by many Lebanese as a state within a state. They control many government agencies in front of and behind the scenes. No real change is possible in Lebanon without reducing Hezbollah’s power. They are blocking resolutions and carrying out their pro-Iran-Syria program.

Hezbollah fighters are heavily armed and well trained. For Western countries, Hezbollah is a terrorist organization. Together with their political allies, the Amal Shiites and the Christian Free Patriotic Movement, their great power therefore poses an obstacle to international aid and support.

dangerous confrontation

Independent candidate Mark Daou (43) said: “Hizbollah is our biggest problem with the nepotism and nepotism of militias that became a political party after the civil war.” “We are against them because this is our country.”

Political conflict with Hezbollah can be dangerous. Shia candidates denouncing Hezbollah can, of course, expect a response. Independent candidates face reports of security incidents, harassment and death threats. The ruling parties are doing everything they can to eliminate competition.

That doesn’t stop Daou. “A political era is coming to an end. New faces who will lead this political change instead of just watching it. There are no more traditional festivals, there are new movements. We have a very good chance, it looks good for us.”

He talks about how difficult it is to campaign in a country where the banking system does not work and there is no electricity for hours like every day on election day. Still, a strong turnout awaits. ‘It’s a necessity, we’re trying to save our own lives. Established parties are of course not interested in change. This is their legacy. They want to cover up all the corruption and theft of the past thirty years.”

“It hurts to see people like this”

In a suburb of Beirut, Reema talks to another surprising customer in her supermarket. He also notes that the price of a kilo of tomatoes has almost doubled in a short period of time. “People buy minimally. They get less than they need. They can’t afford it,” he says.

For many Lebanese it started with a piece of meat. But fruits and vegetables are no longer affordable for many people. Reema: “I have never seen my customers buy so little, it hurts to see people like this.”

Lebanon has experienced one of the world’s worst economic crises in the past 150 years, according to the World Bank. At least three quarters of the six million Lebanese today live below the poverty line. Goods are not for sale for many.

“We have seen the same faces here or their children and grandchildren over the years. We need change. Could this place be any worse than it is now?” And you see that with many voters. A mix of cynicism and apathy. Still, Reema will vote: “I will choose a new candidate. I have little hope, but they deserve a chance. Nobody expects a miracle, but I hope this is the way to progress.”