Sleiman calls for lowering voting age to 18, candidacy age to 21

President Michel Sleiman called on the Lebanese youth to have an insight into the future “since politics have marginalized all political deeds and discouraged the youth from partaking in public affairs.”      

“Every new generation is a new people and in order for accumulated problems and solutions not to stagnate in the wait of regional changes, I am determined to face the new reality by investing in the youth.”          

During a ceremony held at the Baabda Palace announcing a youth declaration, Sleiman said that this declaration tackles the different opportunities which lead to the improvement of the levels of education, health and labor. “Standby time is over and instead of viewing the youth as a problem, it is time to consider them as an wonderful resource that we should invest in.”            

The president stressed that Lebanon is seeking to defend constitutional traditions, adding “we will not accept that they be violated.” He called on the youth to stop living at the expense of others, whether a party, religion, community or another country.       

“The state must keep working to provide an appropriate environment for young people in all fields away from favoritism. It must also address the issue of ranks and salaries series without affecting the economy.”          

Sleiman considered that the Lebanese are divided and are following leaders who hold political slogans “which do not take into account the economic and social realities.”

On the upcoming parliamentary elections, Sleiman said: “We will make sure elections are held on time and we must pressure candidates to engage the youth in national politics by lowering the voting age to 18 and the candidacy age to 21.”