At the end of September it became clear once again that there was no opportunity to reach a consensus between the disputing parties and thus take part in a meeting to elect the next head of state of the republic.
For many, the impasse in the process suggests an extension of the power vacancy, similar to 2016, when Michel Aoun needed 46 legislative calls to complete the quorum and end 888 days without a president.
In this context, the Speaker of the Parliament, Nabih Berri, stated that he is ready to support and facilitate the mission of all those willing to help Lebanon, as previously envoys Jean-Yves Le Drian of France and Jassim bin Fahd Al Thani had done. , from Qatar.
Both special advisers arrived in Beirut representing the committee of five nations interested in the Lebanese presidential file (France, Qatar, the United States, Egypt and Saudi Arabia). Apart from contacts with blocs, MPs and leaders, their positions are far from exit.
On the other hand, the regional scenario also exerts its influence on the Levantine reality, following the negotiations between Iran and the United States, the talks between Saudi Arabia and Yemen and a possible rapprochement between Riyadh and Tel Aviv.
Differences between the main Christian parties Free Patriotic Current and Lebanese Forces are preventing the appointment of Marada movement leader Suleiman Franjieh, a candidate backed by the Shiite duo Hezbollah and Amal.
According to experts, by abandoning the nominations of Michel Moawad and Jihad Azour, the Maronites were left with no clear option to confront Franjieh, and received strong support from the active forces.
In this regard, Wael Abu Faour, member of the Democratic Assembly bloc, confirmed that the presidency is not imminent, despite the numerous initiatives that sometimes coincide and others do not.
In this sense, MP Walid Al-Baarini emphasized that those influencing the elections have their personal interests at heart and not the suffering of the people.
He also stressed the need for cooperation to avoid the next phase, which could be very difficult for the Lebanese, and called for the new president to be appointed as quickly as possible.
For his part, the head of the Baalbek-Hermel bloc, Hussein Haj Hassan, described the situation as difficult after the refusal to dialogue and constant foreign obstruction.
After twelve failed parliamentary sessions since September 2022, no candidate has a majority of 65 MPs and consultations between the blocs are trying to reach the necessary consensus.
Since the Republic’s first President, Bechara El Khoury (1943-1952), Lebanon has faced constitutional loopholes in 1989, 2007-2008 and 2014-2016, in addition to the assassination of two presidents: Bachir Gemayel (1982) and Rene Moauad (1991).
The continuity of the presidential vacancy exacerbates the economic, financial, political and social crisis in the Cedars Nation under an interim government and amid the impact of Syria’s displacement as well as Israel’s ongoing violation of its sovereignty.
mem/yma