The Elections Edition | An-Nahar’s Historic Stand: Safeguarding Lebanon’s Elections Amidst Paper and Ink Shortages
An-Nahar’s Silent Revolution: ‘The Elections Edition’ – The Power of Paper and Ink Campaign Securing Lebanon’s Elections
Introduction:
Lebanon finds itself on the edge of collapse, grappling with severe inflation and widespread poverty. The country’s political class, which has held power for decades, bears significant responsibility for this dire situation. Despite the hardships, Lebanon clings to hope that the upcoming elections will bring stability and much-needed change. However, recent attempts to obstruct the election by citing shortages of paper and ink have raised concerns. An-Nahar, a renowned newspaper known for upholding free speech and democracy, took a remarkable step to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Idea:
Amidst the possibility of using paper and ink shortages as an excuse to cancel the elections, An-Nahar made a bold decision that reverberated nationwide. Breaking its 88-year tradition, the newspaper did not publish an edition on February 2nd. Instead, it directed its entire stock of paper and ink to the government’s printing partner for the sole purpose of producing voting ballots.
By taking this extraordinary step, An-Nahar sent a resounding message to the Lebanese government and the world at large: no trivial excuse should deprive a nation of its democratic rights. The move gained significant traction on social media, with the entire nation rallying behind the cause. Lebanese citizens, in their own ways, contributed by donating paper, books, and magazines to support the election. Furthermore, local magazines, press companies, and even election candidates joined the movement, offering their assistance.
The campaign garnered extensive coverage from political shows, top broadcast channels, and competing newspapers within Lebanon. It captured the attention of the public, generating widespread support and emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the electoral process. Consequently, the online edition that day became the most widely read in An-Nahar’s history.
The collective efforts of the movement resulted in a remarkable outcome. Generous donations of paper and ink were received, providing enough resources to print ballots for the entire voting population of Lebanon. Consequently, the government has ceased referencing the shortages as a potential obstacle to the elections. Currently, the Lebanese elections are scheduled to proceed as planned, instilling hope for a brighter future and encouraging citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
Conclusion:
An-Nahar’s unprecedented decision to redirect its paper and ink resources towards printing voting ballots amidst shortages has had a profound impact on Lebanon. This act of solidarity resonated with the nation, prompting widespread support and donations from both the public and various media outlets. The movement has successfully secured the necessary materials to conduct the upcoming elections, diminishing concerns surrounding paper and ink shortages. As Lebanon prepares for this pivotal moment, the nation stands united, reaffirming its commitment to democracy and the pursuit of positive change.
Credits
Client: An-Nahar Newspaper
Agency: Impact BBDO
Campaign: The Elections Edition
Media: Print, Outdoor, Digital
Country: Lebanon
