In the realm of significant parliamentary blocs, it was exclusively Loyalty to Resistance (Hezbollah) and Development and Liberation (Amal Movement) that put forth the nomination of Sleiman Franjiyeh, the leader of the Marada Movement, for the presidency.

Franjiyeh is regarded by his supporters as a pivotal political figure who embodies the reassurance needed to confront the challenges posed by both Israeli aggression and extremist factions. As a former minister and esteemed member of parliament, he is widely recognized as a diplomatic politician capable of fostering effective communication with Lebanese political parties as well as foreign nations.

In contrast, the resistance’s adversaries, joined by the Free Patriotic Movement, have chosen to nominate Jihad Azour, the former Minister of Finance during the Siniora government (2005-2008), despite his deep involvement in corrupt policies that have contributed to Lebanon’s dire financial state.

As tensions continue to mount, Lebanon finds itself caught in a profound political divide. This divide reached its peak when House Speaker Nabih Berri called for a parliamentary session to convene and conduct the twelfth presidential vote.

Adding to the turmoil, the Lebanese crisis has been further fueled by intervention and intimidation from the United States, as evidenced by the statements of several officials, including Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf.

The Lebanese crisis was fueled by the US intervention and intimidation reflected by a number of officials, including Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf.

Leaf’s remarks hinted at potential sanctions targeting high-ranking Lebanese officials, purportedly due to their alleged hindrance in the process of electing a new president for the country.

In the same context, the US Under Secretary of State Victoria Noland announced that she contacted House Speaker Berri.

These pressures were reflected in the stances of the “Change” MPs some of whom expressed clearly that they are obliged to vote for Azour. MP Ibrahim Mneimneh indicated that voting for Azour is similar to taking a poison.

Moreover, MP Halimah Qaaqour maintained that pressures and immoral intimidation occurred to push the “Change” MPs to vote for Azour.

Magic Turns against Magician

The wide political intersection pushed by foreign forces to vote for Azour failed to grant the IMF official more than 59 supportive ballots, while he needs 65 votes to become a president.

This frustrating loss pushed the Lebanese Forces MPs to lose temper while answering the reporters’ questions after the session.

MP Sethrida Geagea

MP George Adwan

Following the session, Member of Hezbollah’s Loyalty to Resistance MP Hussein Hajj Hasan said that political divisions are the main obstacle that hinders electing a new president. He stressed importance of electing a president who is agreed upon by different political powers.

“Lebanon needs to have a new president as soon as possible, and this requires national settlement and a genuine dialogue,” MP Hajj Hasan told reporters.

Ahead of the session, Member of Loyalty to Resistance bloc MP Hasan Fadlallah reiterated Hezbollah’s stance in backing Franjieh, stressing that the candidate “is capable to communicate with all the Lebanese people.”

“The candidate we support has clear political project and he is capable of reassuring all Lebanese powers,” Fadlallah told reporters before the session.

He slammed Hezbollah’s rivals by saying: “All those who agreed on candidate Azour have one goal: to topple our candidate.”

Meanwhile, he affirmed that the Lebanese State can’t be built by quarrels and discord.

“Hezbollah is sticking to the Constitution and the Taif Agreement. Our hand is extended for dialogue to reach a settlement.”

During an evening interview with Al-Manar TV, MP Fadlallah said that, despite all pressures, the other side failed to confiscate the parliament, calling for a national dialogue without preconditions.

MP Ali Hasan Khalil indicated that the vote session was a victory for democracy in Lebanon, adding that the intersection which voted for Azour has ended in accordance with the remarks of its figures.

Next Session

House Speaker Berri, after the session, called on the various parties to halt trading accusations regarding the delay of the presidential elections, underlining the importance of holding a national dialogue to discuss the issue of presidency.

Member of Moderation bloc, Ahmad Al-Kheir, told the reporters that the bloc’s members will vote for a certain candidate in the upcoming session (as they abstained from supporting any of the candidates in today’s session).

According to the ballots’ count, Azour secured only 59 votes, while Franjiyeh managed to outpace all the expectations and gain 51 votes likely to increase dramatically during the upcoming session.

Source: Al-Manar English Website