Sources from Sidon confirmed to "Nidaa al-Watan" that there has been no change in the position of the head of the "Future Movement" bloc, MP Bahia Hariri, regarding the parliamentary elections in the Sidon - Jezzine district. She remains committed to the decision of President Saad Hariri to refrain from running for one of the Sunni seats in Sidon, which she has held for three consecutive decades without interruption. This decision, called by "the aunt," came after her meeting with President Hariri at his residence in Abu Dhabi, where she was quoted saying, "Saad and I are one." This did not prevent a broad discussion on the political and electoral matters, with open possibilities for the leadership, base, and supporters of "the Blue Movement" in how to deal with the upcoming elections, whether by staying away, boycotting, supporting a close candidate, or leaving it up to the voters to decide.
In the family's salons and corridors of the city, discussions have started about the transformation of "the Movement" into two factions, relating to the decision to suspend political work and refrain from candidacy. The resignation of Deputy President Mustafa Alloush stands as a testament to this, and perhaps the trend will continue. There is a divergence between two camps: the first is led by President Fouad Al-Sanioura, who calls for avoiding Sunni boycott and leaving the political arena, while the second is led by Secretary-General Ahmad Hariri, who advocates adherence to the decision without any deviation. Each has its own reasons, justifications, strengths, and supporters.
Those familiar with the electoral intricacies in Sidon suggest that the scene will remain uncertain until the eve of the closed nominations, when some close supporters might decide to run. They continue to assert that their choice is for "the aunt" to run; if she does not, they will build on that accordingly.
Among the prominent figures who have stepped forward under this banner is engineer Youssef Al-Naqeeb, who has taken charge of the electoral machinery of "the Movement." He has extensive social connections and a successful public track record, currently leading the Islamic Charitable Association in the city, which could significantly alter the electoral landscape and alliances.
Meanwhile, the nomination rates have increased as social activist Walid Al-Sab'a A'ayin announced his decision to run in the elections under the slogan "We will continue... the path." He stated, "There is no doubt that I am not the ideal candidate and I am not one who chases after a position that entails duty and responsibility; however, at the request of a few friends and close ones who wish for change, I decided to undertake this democratic experience without provoking anyone, and I will consult with those I will represent before submitting the necessary papers to the Interior Ministry. My program is not a product of fantasy but is very realistic, and I will present it later. Certainly, I will join hands with the other winner, whoever it may be, once the results are announced, to serve the city, if luck is on my side on May 15, God willing."
Concurrently, the situation regarding alliances remains ambiguous, complex, and intertwined between Sidon and Jezzine, and is still stalled, awaiting clarity. It was noted that the main candidates from the political forces and personalities are holding meetings and making calls away from the spotlight and media to weave alliances, contrary to previous instances, after some announced a decided position not to ally with the authority forces (MP Osama Saad with Amal Movement and Hezbollah) or not to repeat the 2018 experiment (the alliance of Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Bizri and political leader of the Islamic Group, Dr. Bassam Hamoud with the Free Patriotic Movement), or awaiting how "Al-Mustaqbal" will finally decide to deal with the electoral requirements or opposition and change forces in the October 2019 protest movements.
