Lebanese Activists March for Secularism in Beirut
More than 1,000 people marched in Beirut on Sunday calling for the establishment of a secular state in the country which is ruled by a system of power-sharing along religious lines.
"Secularism is the solution," and "The people demand a civil state," the crowds chanted as they marched in Beirut streets waving Lebanese flags.
The demonstration was dubbed "Seculars March towards Citizenship."
Many Lebanese blame the current power-sharing system along religious lines for the majority of problems facing the country, home to 18 religious sects.
Lebanon's system of government is rooted in the National Pact, a 1943 power-sharing agreement adopted after the country won its independence from France.
Aimed at maintaining a balance between the 18 religious communities, the agreement calls for the president to be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister to be Sunni Muslim and parliament speaker a Shiite.
Other government jobs are also allocated according to religious affiliation.
Many Lebanese believe that this power-sharing arrangement is responsible for most of the country's problems, including corruption, cronyism and the devastating 1975-1990 civil war.
Source: Agence France Presse, Naharnet
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