Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi: the failure to lower voting age is a political farce.

The head of the National Dialogue Party, Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi, expressed his amazement at the political farce that preceded the Parliamentary meeting during which the bill to lower the voting age in the upcoming municipal elections was rejected. Mr. Makhzoumi commented that the MPs’ decision to abstain from voting was "childish", in stark contrast to the responsibility of the youth of today who should have the right to exercise their rights.

According to Mr. Makhzoumi, the participation of the youth above the age of 18 in the voting process would help the community benefit from their energy and abilities in making wise choices in a civilized manner. He pointed out that these young people are the main players on the streets who are used by various political figures to secure their interests and to adjust the balance of power, and he questioned why they are now being excluded from the democratic process.

Mr. Makhzoumi concluded that each step or reform will strengthen the Lebanese state and its institutions whereas raising fears and concerns of sectarianism will only accelerate a total collapse.