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Perpetual political drama is not
what Lebanese expect from their
leaders
The by-elections in Lebanon Sunday
the 12 August, generated enough heat,
rancor and plain old silliness to
keep the political system primed in
the entertainment fast lane for
several weeks, by which time we are
likely to see the same set of
characters come on stage again and
perform another act in what seems to
the world, and to many Lebanese, as
a perpetual play without much
substance. The occasion then will be
the impending presidential election,
and some time after that the drama
will be triggered by possible talks
for a new electoral law, or a
resumed national dialogue, or
another round of elections. The
reasons for political leaders to
bicker and send the governance
system into a long-term stalemate
appear nearly endless; yet the
consequences of such amateurish
statesmanship on the part of the
political elite in Lebanon are
becoming both increasingly clear and
dire. The capacity of the current
ruling elite to engage in heated
polemics and Machiavellian deal-making
is stunning in its audacity. It is
matched only by the glaring failure
of this same class of high-flyers to
either grasp or address the routine
concerns and real needs of ordinary
citizens.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb
With every episode of such political
theater, the willingness of citizens
to participate in political life
dissipates, as does the integrity of
the entire system of governance.
Ordinary people do not understand
why their leaders spend so much time
making accusations against Syria,
the United States, Iran, France and
other faraway demons, when they
should be huddling with experts and
concerned activists to figure out
how to reduce electricity cuts,
improve education standards,
generate new investments and jobs,
and clean up environmental
pollution. A few useful, realistic
proposals on some obvious priority
issues from down-to-earth
politicians would do wonders at a
time when citizens are begging for
quality leadership in a country that
is blessed with extraordinary human
talent. Lebanon has enough genuine
drama in its cultural life, spirited
people, stunning natural assets, and
vibrant commercial life. It does not
need more drama from politicians.
Source:
The
Daily Star |
