The current political scene in Lebanon indicates that the country is heading towards a fierce presidential battle, as neither side of the opposition nor the majority, known as the March 8 and March 14 forces, holds the majority of 65 votes necessary to bring any candidate to Baabda. This raises the possibility of a vacancy due to mutual vetoes from both sides. This is evident from the landscape that has begun to take shape today, as the head of the Lebanese Forces Party, Samir Geagea, called for blocking the path for the March 8 candidate for the presidency and also against the centrist president, as he believes there is no middle ground between two choices that do not share any common points. Additionally, there should be an effort to prevent a president without color or taste, who contributes nothing to the Lebanese political scene.
On the other side, Hezbollah does not seem unaware of the impending election; it is accustomed to working quietly and keeping its efforts discreet. However, it is clear that it will not hesitate to support its presidential candidate. While there is some truth to the claims about its support for the head of the Marada Movement, its interests will take precedence over all other considerations. Thus, it will not yield to or accept a president whom it does not trust and is willing to fight both politically and otherwise if necessary.
Former Minister Fares Boueiz stated to "Al-Markazia": "It is natural for the intensity of the presidential battle to increase with the start of the constitutional period for electing a new president for the country. From the general course of developments related to the election, one can affirm that we are heading towards a political and electoral clash in more than one session, where each team will try to demonstrate its strength and capability. Therefore, it is obvious to say that before that, there will be no new president. The matter may take a month or two of vacancy before reaching an internal consensus, through local and external efforts, on the necessity of stopping the collapse, which will inevitably worsen due to rising prices, including the dollar, which has become directionless."
As for the specifications of the upcoming president, "they are known and undisputed by anyone. It is natural for them to have wide representation accepted by the parties, and they should have the political experience that enables them to unify the Lebanese within a national framework based on an understanding that Lebanon cannot be governed by one group over another. The idea that the president should be an economist and a specialist falls under the responsibility of their helping team and advisors, not their burden. What is required is the ability to manage and communicate with the world to rebuild the state."
