A political boss, known as a Za'im (plural Zuama), is from a leading family in the country's electoral districts.
They manipulate elections and distribute political favors and financial rewards to the highest bidder.
Individuals elected to parliament view their primary goal to serve the needs of their local clients, neglect any national issues and use parliament to further their regional-sectarian interests.
The Za'im dressed in tailored European suits, which misled many visitors at the time.[2][when?]
According to As'ad AbuKhalil, many Zuama became warlords during the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990).