Armenians in Lebanon - Political Representation

Political Representation

According to the traditional Lebanese confessional representation in the Lebanese Parliament, a certain number of seats have been reserved for Armenian candidates according to their confession. Presently the Lebanese-Armenians are represented in the 128-seat Lebanese Parliament with 6 guaranteed seats (5 Armenian Orthodox and 1 Armenian Catholic) as follows:

• 3 Armenian Orthodox seats in the capital Beirut
• 1 Armenian Orthodox seat in the Matn District
• 1 Armenian Orthodox seat in Zahle (Bekaa)
• 1 Armenian Catholic seat in the capital Beirut

Because many Protestants in Lebanon are ethnic Armenians, the sole parliamentary slot for Evangelical (Protestant) community has at times been filled by an Armenian, making for a total of 7 Armenian deputees in the Lebanese Parliament.

Lebanese Armenians have also been represented by at least one government minister in the formations of Lebanese governments. In case of larger governments (with 24 ministers and above) Armenians are traditionally given two government ministry positions.

The Lebanese-Armenians also have their quota in top-level public positions.