The Lebanese "general elections" begin on August 27, 2000. The rules under which these "elections" are and will be conducted are unfair, undemocratic, and seriously violate the Lebanese Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Furthermore, the candidates rely heavily on big money and corrupt practices managed and directed by Syrian Intelligence officers and their Lebanese surrogates. Nevertheless, and regardless of the odds, we encourage every Lebanese to go to the polls and vote!

Going to the polls is only half the story. The other half is to vote for those Lebanese who embody the qualities of integrity, courage and patriotism and who profess and believe in a serious and credible program for the nation. Such candidates are scarce and may well not exist at all. In such a very likely event participation could take place in the form of a blank ballot. Since there are no preprinted ballots in Lebanese elections, we urge you to fill in the blank with the two words: LIBERTY + INTEGRITY.

This way your vote will really count. Next time over we hope that the rules will change and many of the current candidates will be in jail. Then your vote will count much more.