The Seven! A New Modern Unconventional Lebanese Political Party

The Lebanese political scene is taken aback by a new driving force “The Seven”, a new modern unconventional political party put together by a large number of citizens to bring down the deadlock monopoly and exploitation of power that dominates the government in Lebanon. They believe that the true power is in the hand of the people, and thus any exploitation of one’s position for personal gain and interference in judicial procedures is reprehensible acts that need to be reprimanded in the harshest terms.

This upheaval will not be easy especially in the Arab world where power is inherited and considered the right for the limited elite. Seven or Sabaa in Arabic (V) (for Victory) is aware of the momentous task and the first step is to widen their audience. But unlike other parties that seek to aimlessly recruit followers, Seven is trying to garner people that are committed to the cause. In the relatively short space of six months, they have grown to encompass 4,500 members. Unlike most of the other civil movements, Seven is not only about having a temporary electoral coalition that is likely to unfurl after the elections. Instead, it is a party that extends all over the nation and works to vitalizing the actions and roles of like-minded individuals to exert a change in society. They also have a hierarchy within their own structure to ensure fair and democratic revolution of power. Seven is introducing a complete new concept to Lebanese politics: for every official municipality, Seven is launching a shadow municipality. Facing every syndicate, there is a seven shadow syndicate. Facing the cabinet a shadow cabinet and facing every MP a shadow MP. The objective is a nationwide structure or platform to create new leadership at all levels of society and power, a structure that insures sustainable political activism, a constant huge corruption watchdog and a “machine” nurturing new leaders.

One of the first requirements that Seven deems essential is segregating between ministers and MPs; a significant number of ministers double as MPs when it is the mission of the later to reprimand and monitor the actions of the first. They believe that applies to their own party, to begin with, and the entire political stratum to ensure that no exploitation of public resources for personal gains will occur. They believe in “Leading by responsibility” where each person focuses on one task to excel instead of spreading themselves thin. Their program also takes into consideration those Sustainable development goals 2030 set by the United Nations. A plan also approved by Lebanon, but with no real action taken. This plan is a road map from the year 2017 into the year 2030, and Seven is here to expose this neglect and demand it be given its proper notice.

The new star Party is determined to run in the next elections in a comprehensive electoral ballet dubbed “Ibtesamat Watan” that roughly translates as the smile of a nation. Their political agenda will not be made within the closed confine of the party headquarters because that is the antithesis of what the Seven stand for. Instead, they will go on the political trail to ask citizens about their own fears and needs and cumulate it all in one cohesive plan that will make the political agenda. This is unprecedented and such visits have already been made, but it speaks to the core of the coalition that regards the people of the nation as the ones who should own and wield the power. They do not want to drift into the swamp of politics that has already claimed many parties who started with good intentions. This adherence to the will of the people is what they count on to shield them from such temptations. They also vow to refuse all sorts of financial support from any international or regional power with a firm stand, something that is against the law even though some politicians are brazen enough to say they have received such donations. The funds come from local donators who want to support Seven, and there is a constant auditing for all expenses that are accessible for any member. Even the internal elections are under outer surveillance to ensure nepotism will never be an influential factor in the party.

Unlike other Lebanese parties, Seven was not built around a leader. It is only a platform similar to the US republican and democratic parties to create leaders; Sabaa is an organized revolution for people of all sects who decided to refuse the concept of za3im (feudal leader). Women make up around 40% of all members and play a significant role. Unlike the pompous and hallow promises of other politicians, Seven is working consistently and tirelessly working to breach the elitist political echelon. It is organizing, training and grouping members all around the country and preparing a professional efficient machine in the forthcoming elections hoping to be the major change movement in Lebanon within the next few months. Statistics are already showing Sabaa has a large supporter and voter base. Purple (Seven’s color) is now recognized all over the country.

Could the “small fish party” be the awaited savior? Seven leaders answer that “If citizens grab the opportunity…sky is the limit”.