The last day Lebanon had a president was May 24, 2014. For a year and half, the country known for its sectarian-driven politics has gone not only without a president, but with a resigned, caretaker government, and a parliament that has twice extended its own term. The first time they did so was in May 2013, when the elections were postponed from June to November 2014. Lebanon’s parliament members voted again on Nov. 5, 2014, in favor of extending their mandate for another two years.

Several challenges tripped up the country’s ruling elite and left it unable to make decisions. Even when dozens of military and internal security personnel were abducted by al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra and the Islamic State (IS), no firm action was taken, nor was there when garbage flooded the streets.

It was only when thousands of Lebanese took to the streets over the garbage crisis under the umbrella “You Stink” that there was a move toward consensus on a way to calm the protests.

This and other activist groups gained momentum in the Lebanese street and gained influence among the youth. It was the first time that a nonpolitical movement was able to unite thousands of Lebanese from different sects and political affiliations. It didn’t take long for the protests to take a violent turn, and several activists were arrested. In response, the protesters changed direction and called for political reform and a new electoral law.