Representation and stability : a comparative study of the 1957 and 1960 elections in Lebanon -

Abstract

This thesis explored the relation between representation and stability, taking Lebanon and consociational system as a case study, comparing the 1957 and the 1960 elections. The first half of this thesis explored the theoretical framework of the Lebanese political system and its history, while the second was an analytical comparison of the two elections. The results of the comparison was equivocal, the 1960 elections was significantly more representative than 1957 and the period following 1960 was much more stable than 1957’s. In order to ascertain the relation between the two variables, this thesis tested the relationship between representation and stability to other significant factors, both internal and external that lead to the 1958 crisis. The results pointed toward the preeminence of representation among the different factors that influenced stability. Finally, based on the previous findings, this thesis offered several electoral reform recommendations to strengthen the stability of Lebanon, by increasing representation. Faced with the prevalent aversion to change and reform by the current elites, and their entrenched interests, this thesis opted for gradual changes and small measured steps. Such as increasing the number of deputies, easing access to the political arena and carefully increasing the dose of proportionality.