Lebanon has officially entered the electoral arena, transforming into a scene for a major contest where the competitors justify their use of sectarian and religious rhetoric, as well as various means of popular mobilization to attract supporters and allies. The presidential administration and its political team continue to target the Shiite duo within the implicitly agreed frameworks to conduct the parliamentary elections with the least possible damages, specifically regarding the Amal Movement and Speaker Nabih Berri. However, this has not prevented the already strained relationship between both sides from shaking, and it is likely to return to tension after the electoral event and at the moment of electing a new speaker of the parliament, a position coveted by Nabih Berri, who shows discomfort at being used as an electoral card, especially with the Free Patriotic Movement waving the banner of constitutional principles against him, taking advantage of the Lebanese Forces' announcement of their lack of desire to elect Berri.
Member of the Development and Liberation Bloc, MP Qassem Hashem, tells "Al-Markaziyah": "It is not surprising that the Lebanese Forces announce their non-support for President Nabih Berri as speaker in the upcoming parliamentary elections since we are on opposite sides. It is true that we have agreed on some laws and projects that concern the people, but in strategic matters, there is a significant divergence in visions and goals. As for the Free Patriotic Movement, we share common ground on many issues, and their allusion to constitutional principles is just a tool used today by all factions and parties in the electoral toolbox."
Regarding the remarks made by Phalange Party leader Sami Gemayel about the possibility of not electing Berri, Hashem stated: "It is an attempt to exaggerate the situation. They have been in power since independence, and they have moved to the opposition ranks as they prefer to name it, due to their disagreement with the movement over ministerial representation in the beginning of the term." Hashem hopes that the electoral process will bring a new parliamentary spirit to the parliament, marking a new beginning for the revival of the country from the crises it is entangled in at all levels.
