Promise Party
The Promise Party, also known as the Waad Party (initials in Arabic of Watani, Aalmani, Democratic meaning National, Secular Democratic party) is a Lebanese political party founded by former Lebanese Forces leader Elie Hobeika in 1986.
The party was always in good relation with Syria and held several ministries during the consecutive governments from 1990 to 1998. The party also had several members of parliament from 1992 to 2000.
After the assassination of Hobeika in 2002, the party was led by his wife Gina Hobeika, but its popularity considerably decreased. It still has many thousands of followers in diaspora, mainly in the United States, France, England and Australia. Most members have immigrated after the fall of the tripartide agreements in 1985. Joseph Hobeika, Elie's only son is expected to continue his father's legacy.
The party is currently allied to the Free Patriotic Movement and has very close ties to the Marada party.