A look back at the Lebanese general elections of 2018, in the context of the current uprising in Lebanon

Abstract

In May 2008, Lebanese citizens voted for a new parliament based on a hybrid electoral law combining both majoritarian and proportional systems. Irrespective of the results and the winners and losers, these elections marked the inaugration of a new phase in the Lebanese system following a phase of polarization between the March 8 and March 14 camps. While the elections set the ruling class up against contestation groups, it led to the victory of the former. This victory not only reflects the hollowing-out of Lebanese political life but also the ability of the ruling class to control public discourse and power structures. © 2019 The authors.