Beirut, February 19, 2017: As part of its ambitious strategy to engage citizens in public affairs and refuse dynasty and corruption, Sabaa, the new transformative political platform in Lebanon, held a non-traditional meeting on Sunday, February 19, 2017, at the Forum De Beyrouth in the effective presence of hundreds of people who flocked from all Lebanese regions. Different local and regional media outlets also attended the event.
Diagnosis
Three members of Sabaa presented a diagnosis of the political life in Lebanon, and assumed that the political maladministration led the country to the brink of collapse through administrative corruption, speeches that provoke sectarian strife and manipulate people’s emotions, and dynasty that hinders qualified Lebanese youth from taking up leadership positions. They concluded that the launch of an independent and organized political platform is a national foremost need, therefore they created Sabaa.
Sabaa
Assaad Doueihy, one of Sabaa’s founders, asserted that the hope for a new Lebanon could be translated through a modern political platform in accordance with international parties’ standards, able to organize thousands of activists to vis-a-vis the traditional parties. It is noteworthy that Sabaa is comprised of Lebanese ordinary citizens from different religions and regions, who dedicate their expertise, energy and own money to change Lebanon. Doueihy invited each every person who aspires to serve his community and play a leading role in his region, syndicate or university to join this workshop. He concluded: “Sabaa represents a cause- the dignity of a person who has decided to say no to blind allegiance person, family, or religion, a principle that no longer exists in the civilized world. At Sabaa we do not have a “bey”, “cheikh” or “His excellency”. Our country is above all else!”
On the other hand, Diana Saleh had her own unique experience that turned out to be a major turning point in her personal journey. After attending Sabaa’s conference at the head office in Badaro, She communicated with Sabaa and agreed to hold a meeting in her region, “Al-Marj”. The initiative received overwhelmingly positive feedback, therefore, Diana and her companions launched Sabaa’s office in Chtaura. Today, this office welcomes many citizens on a weekly basis during lectures and meetings that contribute in creating new leaders in the region.
MOU
The integrity of internal elections is at the heart of Sabaa’s visions, and in order to ensure transparent and democratic authority, Sabaa signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections LADE to avoid dynasty, authoritarianism and internal electoral corruption, which prevents the creation of new young and ambitious leaders who can lift up the country.
Sabaa was founded on the principle of financial transparency and the refusal of foreign financing, which gives the countries the right to interfere in the Lebanese political life. Therefore, Sabaa signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a financial company that monitors the sources of funding and how the money is being spent, and disseminate transparently this information to the public on its website each year. Thus, Sabaa is the first Lebanese party that adopts this transparent mechanism, which mirrors independence in decision making, and nationality in positions.
“Smile of a nation” campaign
Jad Dagher, one of Sabaa’s founders, concluded the event by launching the “Smile of a nation” campaign that will start next week and last for several months. It includes all the regions and is comprised of three stages. Sabaa will hold wide meetings with citizens to listen to their demands, their fears, and their sufferings, and will engage them in developing a realistic program, entitled “Smile of a nation”, structured according to their aspirations. Moreover, the program will take into consideration the objectives of sustainable development derived from the United Nations plan for 2030, which were designed by international experts.
On the other hand, Sabaa will launch a broad national media campaign that publishes their ideas and programs, and will prepare a professional central electoral machine, and nominate a new ambitious and efficient generation. Dagher urged “each independent person who aspires to serve his/her country with humility and transparency to run for parliamentary elections and communicate with us as soon as possible to discuss the possibility of supporting his/her candidacy. We want new faces, new ideas, and new leaders to build the new Lebanon”. Moreover, he added: “We shall know that we can change the political class in one day: the electoral day. All of us shall vote, and we call on expats to come and vote in Lebanon or at the embassies there. We stand a chance, and the issue is crucial. During this Election Day, we shall all be there with one will and one identity and let our votes make some noise! We shall not be discouraged by the politicians and their corrupted analysts on TVs. With high spirits, professionalism and organization, we can win this battle. Yes, this is a revolution. A smart, respectable and refined revolution!”