The 2022 Lebanese parliamentary elections: between traditional and alternative politics

This article describes the political and livelihoods situation in Lebanon leading up to the parliamentary elections in May 2022. It examines electoral campaigns and the use of social media and traditional media by politicians and residents to express their opinions and stands. From the analysis of electoral speeches, it appeared that major traditional politicians relied on emotionality and what is called in Lebanon shad al-’asab al-ta’ifi or ‘sectarian nerve-pulling’. The strategy entices supporters to vote by amplifying the threat and fear of the sectarian other as well as the importance of preserving one’s own sect. Alternative parties appeared to tackle livelihoods matters relatively more and positioned themselves as opponents to the traditional establishment. Despite the visibility and accessibility obstacles that alternative parties faced, they were able to secure seats in the parliament. An ethnographic account of elections day and the tension between differently opinionated citizens is recounted, along with reflections on the experience of undertaking ethnography in this environment.