Melhem Riachi is a unique case in politics. While engaging in a "tango" dialogue with Ibrahim Kanaan, his descriptions carried a distinct impact, such as when he referred to the dialogue between the "Free Patriotic Movement" and the "Lebanese Forces" as “Beluga caviar.” This type of caviar is among the finest and is threatened with extinction. The son of Khnashara enjoys proverbs and wordplay, to the extent that President Michel Aoun calls him “Alexander Riachi,” as he describes him as one of the “lost” veteran journalists.
When he was appointed minister, he was not a conventional model. He turned his back on government congestion, inviting his friends in the simplest ways (via WhatsApp) to attend the signing of his books "Judas Iscariot" and "The Complaint," as if inviting them to sip coffee where they could discuss any topic except daily political matters. At that time, he could postpone any important official appointment because he was committed to his role as a university professor who teaches strategy and news agencies. He leaves politics and its “headache” outside, entering his classroom as a “dictator,” informing his students at the start of every year. He states quite clearly: democracy expires at the boundaries of my office. There is no joking in lessons and assignments.
When he was included on the list of candidates for the Catholic seat in the Northern Metn district, he infused the most politically charged battle compared to other electoral battles with some of his personal touches. He conducted his campaign under the banner "The Patriarchal Neutrality Candidate" or gave his fight a philosophical and emotional dimension or took advantage of the "Day of Silence" to meet “Fellow Forces” members at a restaurant in Sin el Fil to enjoy shawarma sandwiches in front of passersby.
It was supposed that Melhem's nomination would provide mitigating reasons for his opponents, specifically the Aounists, to shed some of the burdens of the Metn war due to his role in Christian-Christian reconciliation. However, he became a target for the "Free Patriotic Movement" when the President decided to focus all his attention on ensuring the re-election of Adi Maalouf, which unexpectedly intensified the battle. As a result, Melhem became a significant target, especially since President Michel Aoun sought to rally all available allies in the district to cast their votes for Maalouf, including Nationalists and Shiite votes that Hezbollah could control, particularly since Speaker Nabih Berri preferred to allocate his supporters' votes to Michel Pharaon. The latter's father, Elias Pharaon, attempted to concoct a strange mixture of votes to secure his son's win in light of the shaky "leadership" of the Pharaon family regarding services, exacerbated by the sharp criticisms Thierry Maalouf faced following every media appearance.
This electoral cycle in Metn has its own unique flavor. For the first time, the Tashnag Party feels that its seat is not guaranteed, it was once renowned for its "ironclad" electoral machine, but the emigration of many members of the Armenian community has complicated its battle, leading the party to search painstakingly for votes that could elevate Hagop Baghdarian's standing, which may not yield two full shares.
Also for the first time, a new face could make a difference. Jad Ghosn represents a distinct case in Metn. Preliminary estimates suggest he is likely to register a notable number in the preferential votes. It is noted that if the opposition or “revolution” forces had united on a single list, they would have crossed the threshold of "a little over the total," evidenced by the fact that non-resident voters exceeded nine thousand, including more than six thousand from North America and Europe. This figure could significantly impact the balance of the electoral battle in Metn, especially if the projections are correct that a large segment of these votes is of an "objectional nature."
In contrast, Sami Gemayel aims to surpass the results he achieved in the last election. It is reported that he is capable of imposing unexpected results. Perhaps these assessments fuel the ongoing dispute between the Lebanese Forces and the Phalange party, hovering between areas of contact, as they compete for the same electoral plate, making them fierce rivals on the eve of the ballot boxes opening, while both parties contend with objection lists to attract votes opposing the existing system and pushing to increase voter turnout.
Consequently, the district witnesses a series of inherited contradictions in its battle, such as between the "traditional" option represented by the Pharaon family and the objectional options, especially since Sami Gemayel attempted to raise the "revolution" banner after the dissolution of other opposition forces, until Jad Ghosn proved his presence particularly among young groups, competing with the Phalange party for these demographics. In contrast, the "Free Patriotic Movement" tries to showcase its true size by contesting the battle independently, regardless of the results it may achieve, while the rate of participation among the people of Metn will significantly impact the outcomes.
Clare Shakar - Nidaa Al-Watan
