The Sawti Podcast

In this episode, we speak to Ghiya El-Assaad from Minteshreen on the political group's recently-formed coalition ahead of Lebanon's 2022 elections, lessons learned on recent criticisms, and how political parties and citizens can better engage in discussions with each other. 

In this episode, we reference Minteshreen's political plan, which you can access, in Arabic, here, and in English, here. 

Keep up with Mintes...

In this episode, we speak to Petra Samaha from Citizens in a State on the group's centralized program and how they are prioritizing one national program across Lebanon as opposed to regional coalitions or efforts. We address their rhetoric around Hezbollah and what it means to be striving for a civil state. 

*Note: This episode has a video component. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ1uPAQXk4E&nbs...

In this episode, we have a conversation with Hassan Ramadan from Madinati (formerly known as Beirut Madinati).  We discuss topics from who Madinati is and how the party started a wave of hope in the 2016 municipal elections, engaging one of the largest municipal voter outcomes for a new political party, to how it decided to broaden its reach to focus on Lebanon, through its participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections...

In this episode, we speak to Mohammad Serhan from National Bloc about the political group's history, its recent reemergence into the political scene, its work in social justice issues like the LGBTQI community and women’s rights, politically engaging youth and the Lebanese diaspora, and the existential crisis facing Lebanon as we know it.

Mohammad talks about his journey into the activist and political scene, the dynamics of...

In this episode, we speak to Nay El-Rahi from LiHaqqi, a grassroots political organization that was formed prior to the 2018 elections by a group of young activists from the Chouf/Aley region. 

Nay discusses the organization's work in recreating a new political identity, their views regarding pressure around opposition groups to unite, how traditional parties have hijacked the opposition, and how LiHaqqi refuses to compromise...

In this episode, we speak to Marc Geara from Tahalof Watani on how the political party is preparing for the elections, what they learned from the 2018 parliamentary elections and Marc's former experience running in the 2016 Beirut municipal election, and why it's important to remain hopeful despite Lebanon's collapse.

To keep up with Tahalof Watani's work, check out their website and social media pages:

Website: https...

In this episode, we speak to Mada's representative, Marwan Issa, on how university secular clubs turned into a nation-wide network, how secularism and democratic principles have taken over previously sectarian discussions on Lebanon's future, and how Mada is preparing for the Lebanese 2022 elections.

To keep up with Mada's work, check out their social media channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madanetwork/ 

Facebo...

The Sawti Podcast is your guide to Lebanon's alternative political parties and the upcoming elections. Each episode introduces a political party, discussing the group's values, aims, and work in creating a better Lebanon.

Episodes are released every Wednesday. Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode. 

The Sawti Podcast is an Impact Lebanon initiative. It's co-hosted by Samir Ballouz, Tarek Khalil, and Tam...