Lebanon lost last week when Minister of State Nassib Lahoud announced that he would not run in the June 7 parliamentary elections. Lahoud is a respected statesman who, unlike so many politicians in Lebanon, actually developed a detailed plan outlining his vision for the country. He’s a state builder with concrete proposals for strengthening government institutions.

In his words, he bowed out of the elections because political horse-trading and ensuring feudal lords maintain their fiefdoms were more important in devising the March 14-allied electoral list in Metn than choosing the right people for the job. Lahoud, unlike his allies, was more concerned with committing to principles aimed at improving the country than with winning one seat here or there to inflate a parliamentary bloc.

Along with the Qornet Shehwan Gathering, Lahoud participated in the Bristol Gathering, laying the groundwork for the Cedar Revolution and the principles of building the Lebanese state put forth on March 14, 2005. He was there from the very beginning, risking his life to improve the country, and it is a shame that he has now been forced to choose between those principles and petty politics.

Losing Lahoud is also a loss for Lebanon because of what he represents. The March 14 coalition chose him as a presidential candidate in 2007 because he has integrity. He is an educated secularist and not a party man. This is what Lebanon so desperately needs.

If the day after Lebanon votes is indeed the day the state starts, the country needs parliamentarians dedicated to developing strong state institutions. Lebanon needs people dedicated to the principles of March 14, 2005. On that day the nation stood up and said “no” to the status quo. The people of Lebanon said “no” to politicians who care only for themselves and their own share of power. They said “no” to a state that barely functions, mired in corruption. Perhaps most of all, they said “no” to blind allegiance to traditional leaders who make back-room deals before elections, rendering the voting practically meaningless. 

That is what Lahoud represents today. He not only embodies the principles of March 14, 2005, but has consistently defended them for the past four years. To actually reform Lebanon in the coming years, parliament needs many more people like Lahoud. Unfortunately, it seems the exact reverse is in the works. Many strong, independent, secular leaders in the March 14 coalition, who are dedicated to improving the country, are being left behind as negotiations over electoral lists play out.

This is a bad sign and a guarantee that not much will change following the upcoming elections. Nassib Lahoud’s commitment to Lebanon’s “freedom, independence and sovereignty” is not the usual rhetorical cover for politicking aimed at improving one’s own personal fortunes. Rather, the commitment is real, and  Lahoud’s words have been backed by actions. The country is worse off without him.