From the moment Saad Hariri announced the suspension of his political work and even before that, it was clear that the "Future" MPs would not adhere to his decision or heed his advice, and they would submit their nominations for the parliamentary elections, breaking the position of the "Movement" and its leader by distancing themselves from the electoral entitlement. Hariri's announcement to suspend the political work of the "Future" Movement did not prevent its MPs from explicitly stating their intention to run in the elections even if their leader did not, on the basis that they are allies of the "Movement" and not members of the organization. Hariri's reliance on candidates outside the organizational framework of the "Movement" has long been a source of dissatisfaction among its organizational body. The issue of Hariri's nominations of Dima Jamali twice in Tripoli from outside the organization at the expense of Mustafa Aloush, who is deeply embedded in the organizational structure, has not been well received by the blue movement's supporters until now. Dima Jamali is not the only one; most of the "Movement's" MPs were brought in by Hariri from outside his organization and party.
Hariri declared his decision and moved on, with only a few of his MPs, like Rola Tabash and Nazih Najem, expressing solidarity with him at the time. However, these individuals are reportedly preparing to run, and it seems that what was said at night will be erased by day. Hariri's hopes for his MPs and the repeated meetings with them changed nothing in their stance. Even his aunt, MP Bahiyya Hariri, and her son Ahmad, along with President Fouad Siniora, were against the decision to refrain from elections at this stage. Hariri flew to Abu Dhabi, leaving behind a "Movement" with multiple stances and decisions, which may soon become multiple movements.
President Fouad Siniora quickly approached Mufti Deryan and sought his blessing to launch a campaign against Hariri and his decision, based on the premise that the Sunni arena cannot be left vacant. Deryan provided Siniora with a dose of support, and he set off on his journey towards Sunni participation. It appeared that the Deputy Head of the "Future" Movement, Mustafa Aloush, supported Siniora's proposal and was not in favor of retreating and abandoning the elections. Aloush submitted his resignation from the "Future" Movement yesterday. After announcing that he had contacted President Saad Hariri to explain his positions and that Hariri rejected his resignation, a statement accepting his resignation from the "Future" Movement was issued, seemingly in response to Aloush's stance.
The former Deputy Head of the "Movement" stated in a call with "Nidaa Al-Watan" that "this matter has nothing to do with the upcoming parliamentary elections and candidacy, as there are disagreements and unresolved issues with the leadership of the Movement." Aloush does not consider that his decision will serve as an excuse for others aspiring to run from the leadership of the "Movement" to resign, as "each of them has their own choice and they are free." He added, "I am still loyal to Saad Hariri, and he knows that. The reasons behind this decision may become clearer in the coming days after a period of reflection."
Aloush emphasized that his decision was not due to any disagreement with either Ahmad Hashmiya or Ahmad Hariri, stating that "the two do not mean anything to me regarding this decision." Informed sources confirmed to "Nidaa Al-Watan" that Aloush's decision is due to his support for Siniora's electoral movement, as Aloush has clarified in a series of positions that he does not favor leaving the Sunni arena during the elections, contrary to Hariri's recent actions.
Those familiar with the "Future" Movement pointed out that Hariri intended this cycle to nominate a number of organized individuals in line with his organization’s wishes, but winds turned against what the "Movement" desired. Given the state of confusion among the base, the voice of objection from the organizers of the "Future" Movement against the absence of future candidates for the elections has started to be heard in several areas, saying, "We want candidates who represent us, and we will not accept being left this way."
So will Aloush run alongside Siniora? Why is it permissible for other MPs to run while he cannot? Will the coming days bring more resignations from the leadership of the blue movement?
