Reform is imperative in Lebanon

Finally, good news from Lebanon. A new government has been formed. It took, of course, five months to agree on the Cabinet line-up, but it is better late than never. Now, the real work must start.

The challenges facing the tiny, but sharply divided, country are massive — from the ever present Israeli threat to the sad state of the infrastructure, especially the electricity.

There is some concern, however, that the wrangling over the composition of the Cabinet, between the March 14 parliamentary majority, led by the new Prime Minister Sa'ad Hariri, and the Hezbollah-led opposition, would lead to chronic disagreements among members of the Cabinet.

Lebanon is a country ruled by a confessional system, where the power is divided between religious groups.Therefore, the politics are often stalled because of the tendency not to upset the religious equilibrium.

That was the case with the previous government, which was paralysed for more than a year because the Shiite ministers resigned in protest at the majority's position towards Hezbollah's weapons.

This formula, though it was agreed upon 18 years ago to stop the civil war, has proven disruptive and held back the country's progress. Henceforth, Lebanon must think seriously about ways to bring in changes that would allow for a smoother decision-making process.

President Michel Sulaiman and other leaders have talked about necessary amendments. Most have said they support any constitutional move that would prevent political deadlock, including giving the president of the Republic a say in the formation of the government, but without trespassing on the power of the prime minister.

The Constitution currently has no time limit for the formation of a government. The agonising process could have taken forever, leading to instability and further tension.

In addition to immediately addressing the security and development challenges, the new government should also pursue political reform.