From: hani@ephedra.engin.umich.edu (Hani Abinassif)
Subject: Re: European Parliament and the Lebanese legislative elections
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 92 18:09:13 EDT
Organization: University of Michigan Engineering, Ann Arbor
Originator: hani@ephedra.engin.umich.edu


Bassem writes:

> Ayman, my objection to union with Syria is purely on political and economic

[......]

Bassem:
	Can we examine for a moment the history of previous elections and
their integrity.  I am not advocating the present situation by any means.
I worry about my country.  But let us be frank.  aLthough we had "previuos"
elections and people can "nominate themselves", the same faces were in
power always.  The only freely elected deputy is Najah Wakeem.  I remeber 
people genuinely rallied for his support. While the other 98 members were
(IMHO) forced on the people.  If the previuos elections allowed for free
nominations of candidates, it restricted who can be elected by exploiting
the electoral system and tactics. For example, if I do not get on a feudalist
lord (e.g. Salam, Eddeh, Shamaoun etc..) then chances are that I would
loose miserably.  At many previuos elections the 2nd Bureaux forged ballots
to make sure these same faces get/don't get elected to office.  These incidents
are well known, in addition to kickbacks, dead people voting, etc...

Would this same thing happen this elections?  Of course it will...
I am defending the Syrians.  But we did not have any presence of any
occupying army at the time when corruption was taking place.  This the reason
why I do not take it seriuosly.  Also, the elections has not taken place
yet, and if it did maybe will bring some better new faces:-)

> 
> As to elections being like before, sure, it a masquerade, what matters is
> the outcome.  Will the Harawi regime allow the voice of the people to be
     ^^^^^^^^^^^ 
Do you you agree with what the outcome was of the previuos elections?
Although I am not sure how the outcome of this election will be, I am sure
it will be a step towards peace in Lebanon.  I think people are tired of war.
It is not wise to start another Aoun Tahrir war and destruct the rest of the
country.

> heared?  Will the Syrian army presence intimidate people to vote to pro Syrian
> candidates?  Why am I not allowed to vote in a nearby consulate?  I confess

It is possible that the Syrian presence will intimidate some people like it 
always did.  But why assume it will have disastereous effects.  
I agree with you that people outside Lebanon should vote though.

> 
> Your approach is to let the elections take place and then decide whether
> or not you accept their result.  By then it would have become too late and you
> would not be able to do anything about it.  My approach is that the elections

Do anything about what?  What is going to happen?  It is an open political
ground and anything could happen in the Middle East. The same thing took
place in Nicaragua, and surprisingly Chomora Won the elections from the
ruling Sandanista...The same thing could happen in Lebanon. 

> should not happen while foreign armies are present.  If they do happen,

Is the present alternative a better one?  Should we wait till all troops
leave Lebanon.  Therefore even the elections of a president is illegal,
since it took place when foriegn troops were present.

> despite my objection, then the election should be monitors by international
> (Arab and ajam) observers and every Lebanese (of Lebanese nationality)
> should be allowed to vote wherever he is (in consulate outside Lebanon
> or where he/she is if he/she is a refugee inside Lebanon).  Is this too much to 
> ask?

This suggestion is not too much to ask.  I support it.  But let us keep in
mind that this not the intentions of the European Community, and others.
 
> 
> bassem

-Hani
-- 
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