The Daily Star BEIRUT: President Michel Aoun in a televised speech Wednesday evening called on the Lebanese public to exercise their right to vote and reject sectarianism, days before thousands of expatriates head to the polls for parliamentary elections. The president warned voters against those “who foment feelings of sectarianism and fanaticism because they undermine the stability of the country.” He told voters not to the give their support to candidates who offer money in return for their ballots, “because those who buy you will eventually sell you and those who sell the citizen will sell the country just as easily.” Aoun also said to “beware of those who launch campaigns based on the negative aspects of others and who only resort in their political speeches to defamation, slander and rumor without really having a concrete project to showcase.” The full text of the speech: To the Lebanese men and women, in Lebanon and abroad, You will be invited to vote in a few days, nine years after the last [parliamentary] elections, during which Lebanon has seen major events including the scourge of terrorism that has hit the Middle East. Our country, by its strength, was able to combat terrorism, remained intact, and regained its security and stability. After the presidential elections, it was normal to adopt a new law for the legislative elections, as promised in my inaugural speech. This new electoral law guarantees the fairest representation to all the components of the Lebanese people, be it the majority or the minority, and also grants, for the first time, the right to vote to the Lebanese diaspora wherever it may be. In addition to the effective representation, this law determines the political choice through the closed list. Through this choice, it is now possible for the voter to show his personal appreciation of the candidates in the selected list by giving his preferential vote to the candidate he deems the best. However, the reverse of the medal, as pointed out by almost all observers, is a conflict that has emerged between members of the same list to obtain the preferential vote. However, this fact is not attributable to the law per se, but rather to the candidates themselves. Indeed, the law is the framework that gives voters the freedom of choice, while the conflict is due to the lack of cooperation between members of the same list or to the fact that they are still not used to be part of a positive competition. Another downside that has emerged recently is the decline of the political discourse, and the most dangerous is that it is currently moving towards feeding fanaticism.
To the candidates,
Political ambition is a project and a right for those who are competent and able to exercise the public service and to address the people to convince them that they have also adopted a right that is theirs. However, avoid addressing instincts, move away from sectarian mobilization and instigation to violence. Address the brains of the voters and not their instincts. Indeed, incitement to sectarianism is the first step towards sedition. Do not ignite it in order to win a seat in the Parliament.
To the citizens,
In all cases, it is up to you to assume the first responsibility. Freedom is a responsibility, the same applies for the choice. Free yourselves from the means of pressure and temptation that corrupt the conscience. The curtain of the polling booth exists for this purpose, and behind it stands a free man. Make sure your vote is a pledge of trust and a true delegation of power, followed by real accountability. Indeed, your role does not end at the polls, but it will start from there. The success of governance requires a true partnership between the people and their representatives and also involves a real accountability should they make mistakes or fail to fulfill your trust. Do not relinquish your role which is consecrated and enhanced in the new electoral law. Some values in life are free, such as love, trust and freedom of conscience, which cannot be bought or sold. If these values lose their gratuity and become a merchandise for sale, hence love would become prostitution, as well as trust and conscience. Let your vote in the elections be free and express your confidence in those for whom you vote. Do not vote for those who pay or offer money because those who buy you will eventually sell you and those who sell the citizen will sell the country just as easily. Do not vote for those who pay because you will not be able to hold them accountable if they make mistakes in the future. Do not vote for those who pay and show you generosity, and remember that charity is not occasional and should not only take place during elections. Do not vote for those who have sold and sell sovereignty on every occasion. Do not vote for those who have turned your rights into services that they monopolize and use to blackmail you if necessary. Do not be false witnesses and do not settle for less than the truth to keep a clear conscience. Do not believe those who overwhelm you with promises that go beyond reality and possibility because they will not keep their promises. Remember that election promises are only binding for those who believe them. Beware of those who launch campaigns based on the negative aspects of others and who only resort in their political speeches to defamation, slander and rumor without really having a concrete project to showcase. Avoid, or even refuse and reject those who foment feelings of sectarianism and fanaticism because they undermine the stability of the country. Remember the journey of the candidates, past and present. Think about your future and that of your children. Put the country’s general interest above vested interests. Appeal to your conscience, then choose, and cast your vote in the ballot box. To the youth and to those of you who vote for the very first time, You represent the future of Lebanon. Do not be neutral. Do not be indifferent to what is happening around you. The expected change will only happen through you. As much as you want to stay out of politics, the politics imposes itself on you and affects the course of your life. Be proactive and take decisions so that your role is not limited to delivering results and bearing the burden of consequences. Elections are the first step to raising your voice. Participate massively so that your voice can be heard.
To the Lebanese diaspora,
You are the depth of Lebanon in the world. For the first time in Lebanon, an electoral law has been enacted granting you the right to participate in the elections from where you are. Be attached to this right. Let your participation express your attachment to and connection with your native country and show your sincere willingness to contribute to making changes in your country.
To the Lebanese,
The first step towards the disintegration of societies is abandoning values, turning a blind eye to mistakes and accepting them. I fear that our society will become a society where corruption is a habit to which we adapt, where bribery becomes justified and accepted, where lies become allowed and well-founded. I pin high hopes that you will be up to this responsibility and therefore that you choose according to the values on which we were raised, with a pure conscience and a free will. Democracy reforms itself and the electoral process is the way. Today, every voice gains more value and effectiveness. What remains is that you exercise your right to choose and do not cede it. Election is a national duty and the only way to change in a democracy. It is an act of presence, dear Lebanese, so do not obliterate yourselves.
