The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar revealed today that Lebanon is preparing to hold by-elections in the coming months after several MPs submitted their resignations from the parliament.
The newspaper cited special sources stating, "The issue of by-elections has been discussed in the Baabda presidential palace, and there is a tendency within the presidency to call for setting a date for the by-elections on Sunday, June 6." The sources pointed out that "the Free Patriotic Movement will nominate independent and non-prominent faces in all districts, as it has not actually lost any MP but may unexpectedly gain if successful."
President Michel Aoun and caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab agreed to issue a decision to postpone the by-elections until after January 1, 2021, due to the current circumstances the country is facing and the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, regarding the formation of the government, designated Prime Minister Saad Hariri visited the Arab Republic of Egypt yesterday and held meetings with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the Foreign Minister. El-Sisi emphasized Egypt's commitment to preserving Lebanon's state capabilities and working to lift the country from its current situation, urging all Lebanese leaders to prioritize national interest, resolve disputes, and expedite efforts to form an independent government capable of addressing current challenges and preserving the resources of the Lebanese people and the unity of its national fabric.
These statements reflect Egypt's strong support for the designated prime minister and a strong call to facilitate his task in forming the upcoming government and overcoming the conditions and complications that hinder completing this urgent requirement.
This comes as Egypt strongly backs the French initiative following the United Arab Emirates, to which Hariri will travel again on the eve of his anticipated visit to Paris.
