Independence Day

November 22nd, 1943, Lebanon was granted independence, having been under French ruling since the establishment in 1920. today, 64 years later, it is remarkable quiet in the streets of Beirut, compared to the Norwegian celebration that I`m used to at home. Nor can I see more Lebanese flags waving than what I do on any other day. Normally this day is celebrated with big public military parades, flags, fireworks and a lot of happy people in the streets. Today, however, there was no following up on this tradition. Many Lebanese probably feel that this is not the right time for great celebrations, due to the awaiting presidental elections and a situation which is starting to reach a state of political vakuum. Tomorrow`s parlamentary sessions were tonight again announced to be postponed, and it is now very uncertain what is going to happen next.

The president is elected by the National Assembly for a six-year term. Last elections were held in 1998, and Emile Lahoud, the outgoing president, were supposed to leave office in 2004. His term was, however, extended by three years. According to Lebanese Constitution the president is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of the National Assembly is a Shi'a Muslim. The PM is appointed by the president in consultation with the National Assembly, and the Cabinet is chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president and members of the National Assembly. (Source: CIA World Factbook.)