Universal Syriac Union Party partners with Lebanese Forces to reshape Zahle’s electoral landscape

ZAHLE, Lebanon — As dawn broke over Zahle on 21 May, a newfound sense of optimism filled the air. Long overshadowed by larger sectarian blocs, the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) has emerged as a pivotal force in this year’s municipal election. This rise is highlighted by its historic partnership with Lebanese Forces (LF), a collaboration under the campaign banner ‘Love Zahle’. 

Together, the LF and USUP have nominated engineer Salim Ghazaleh as their mayoral candidate while securing representation for two dedicated Syriac advocates on their 21-member slate. For the first time, Syriacs will have a significant voice at Zahle’s highest levels of local governance, extending beyond the old Syriac quarter of Hawi Sayyida. 

“We are not just an afterthought,” declared USUP President Ibrahim Mrad in a Facebook post. “Our community’s future is intertwined with Zahle’s future — and today, we help lead the way.” 

Partnership Built on Shared Vision 

The LF’s decision to ally with the USUP reflects a progressive approach to governance, aiming for a Zahle where all communities share equal stakes. By endorsing two Syriac candidates, both respected educators and community organizers, the coalition sends a powerful message: inclusion strengthens democracy. 

“This alliance represents a shift in Zahle’s politics,” says Layla Fakhoury, a local democracy advocate. “For the first time, a major party acknowledges that sustainable change requires embracing every community.” 

Salim Ghazaleh, 38, the coalition’s mayoral hopeful, brings expertise from Europe’s renewable energy sector, focusing on Zahle’s sustainable growth. His collaborative approach, honed through town halls with USUP members, highlights his dedication to the city’s needs. 

The USUP’s two Syriac candidates, veteran educators, have energized the campaign with bilingual gatherings in cultural centers and cafes. Their pledges to introduce Aramaic language classes in public schools and secure funding for preserving Syriac heritage resonate across communities.

The LF-USUP alliance has struck a chord with Zahle’s ‘silent bloc’ — an estimated 40% of voters unaffiliated with major parties. Volunteers wearing ‘Love Zahle’ badges have canvassed neighborhoods, sharing the coalition’s vision. 

“People tell me, ‘Finally, someone sees us,’” says grassroots organizer Samira Haddad. “The USUP candidates connect with families who felt overlooked for decades.” 

While incumbent Mayor Asaad Zgheib’s ‘Vision and Decision’ slate emphasizes experience and past infrastructure projects, the LF-USUP alliance offers a narrative of renewal and inclusion. Their platform blends Ghazaleh’s technical expertise with the USUP candidates’ focus on cultural preservation and civic empowerment. 

“It’s not about discarding the old,” says Ibrahim Mrad, “but about amplifying achievements with voices that have long been silenced.” 

Model for Lebanon’s Municipal Politics 

Political analysts see Zahle’s experiment as a potential blueprint for cross-communal alliances in Lebanon. 

“USUP’s rise signals a maturation of Lebanese politics, where micro-communities assert their roles in governance,” says Dr. Nadine Tannous, a professor of Middle East politics. “Zahle could be the first chapter in a broader story of inclusive governance.” 

As Zahle’s voters head to the polls, the city stands at a crossroads: continuity or a fresh, inclusive vision. For Syriac Christians and others, the LF-USUP alliance offers a seat at the table and a voice in shaping Zahle’s future. 

Based on reporting by An-Nahar Al Arabi