After years of delayed parliamentary elections, nine generations of young Lebanese are eagerly awaiting their first ever opportunity to vote since 2009. Despite reaching the eligible voting age of 21, over 20% of the Lebanese voters have yet to practice their constitutional right to vote and therefore to actively participate in the formation of the political future of Lebanon. Since their decisions in the upcoming elections could have a great impact on the political landscape much focus and speculations lie on the first-time voters.

The policy paper is analyzing the role of the Lebanese youth in the upcoming elections, highlighting their problems and challenges, like unemployment and extremism. Furthermore the authors offer an outlook at the upcoming elections, discussing options and giving recommendations for the youth to be more involved and better represented in Lebanese politics.

The paper is available in English and Arabic. For more information about this topic see our videos with: President Amine Gemayel, one of the authors Jean-Pierre Katrib and Lebanese youth following an event with Maison du Futur featuring this paper.