It is a rarity in Lebanon for individuals to come together and announce a new political group with an articulate political platform. In a country where political mantles have been passed down over generations, the political leaders of today are often the grandsons of feudal lords and other Lebanese notables. This week, however, a new political group, the Lebanese Civil Coalition, came together and announced its commitment to the "state, constitution and law." The coalition's political platform states that the group aims to "transcend the hegemony of sects," which has taken over every aspect of the political, economic, and social life in Lebanon.

The coalition's leadership comprises of prominent political activists, intellectuals, journalists, academics, and lawyers. One of its founding members, journalist Malik Mrowa, said that the movement is not affiliated with any political group, and that it was inspired by the Arab uprisings. Its main objectives are a strong, secular state and the rule of law.

In the press conference where they announced the launch of the coalition, the group's leaders pledged to work on enhancing services, such as ensuring power supply across Lebanon, combating deep-rooted corruption, reforming the electoral law and strengthening the judiciary. Those are some of the problems that have long plagued Lebanon and resolving them is no easy task.

It is unclear whether the group's formation will be met with enthusiasm in Lebanon. The country has for long been divided along sectarian and ideological lines. Sectarian cleavages run deep, and many families stand to gain more from patronage than from allegiance to a weak state. The group may not have all the answers for Lebanon's problems, but it surely serves as a starting point, as its leaders and members are candid about their political platform and should be able to gain traction within the Lebanese electorate.

The formation of such a group gains additional importance as more and more young Lebanese become politically apathetic or choose to leave the country due to its political deadlock and lack of economic opportunity. Given the stifling political and sectarian divisions which have been ongoing for years, this group may offer some a respite from the status quo and hope that future elections will be more competitive and representative of the citizen's political choices.