Last night marked the conclusion of the nomination phase for the parliamentary elections, with Interior and Municipalities Minister Bassam Mawlawi confirming that the elections will proceed on schedule with 1,043 candidates, including 155 female candidates, representing 15%. The last individual to submit their candidacy request was Farina Al-Amil from the Metn North district, followed by colleague Ali Mehdi from the Zahle district. The second phase will immediately begin with the registration of lists at the Ministry of Interior before April 5.
With these figures, the electoral landscape has taken shape, particularly with the former prime ministers’ club's reluctance to run, the latest being former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, who explained: "My abstention is not a boycott; rather, it is to make way for new talents. I will fully engage in the elections without running." He added: "I call for participation in the elections to prevent opportunists from filling any void."
Sources informed "Al-Liwaa" that the former prime minister will support a list being formed under the leadership of former minister Khaled Qabbani. Reports indicated that as of 8:30 PM, the number of candidates in the capital reached 175.
In regard to the international-Arab follow-up on the situation in Lebanon, it is expected that the Lebanese file will be discussed in talks between Saudi Royal Court adviser Nizar Al-Aloula and the French presidential adviser responsible for the Lebanese file, Patrick Durel, under the framework of a French-Saudi partnership aimed at assisting the Lebanese in various aspects of life and society.
Mawlawi confirmed immediately after closing the nomination door that "we are ready as promised by the government and its president, and we are prepared for the elections to meet citizens' aspirations to head to the ballot boxes to assert their interests in a genuine nation that respects all matters obligatory for a sound state." He clarified, "We are ready to conduct the parliamentary elections and commit to being prepared for every detail from last night until May 25 and the expatriates' elections to ensure the success, democracy, and smoothness of the electoral process, which will 'whiten' Lebanon’s image both domestically and internationally."
Mawlawi further stated: "We invite the local and international community to participate in monitoring the elections to guarantee their transparency and integrity. I urge monitoring of the electoral process to ensure complete transparency and neutrality and to act with full credibility and professionalism without logistical obstacles, while we work to secure everything necessary."
He addressed expatriates: "Go to the ballot boxes in embassies abroad freely and democratically without fear, and rest assured that your voice will reach." He added: "Securing the funding for the Supervisory Commission for the elections is the Ministry of Interior’s responsibility, and the government has approved it, and I am not worried, you shouldn't be either."
## Miqati in Ain Al-Tineh
Prime Minister Najib Miqati's visit to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri was noted, where he also met with "Democratic Gathering" member MP Wael Abu Faour and former minister Ghazi Al-Arydhi.
## Abstentions and Nominations
Meanwhile, Fouad Siniora joined the list of non-candidate former prime ministers, announcing in a press conference yesterday his decision to abstain from running. He stated: "My abstention is not a boycott but rather an opportunity for new talents, and I will fully engage in the elections without standing as a candidate for the benefit of all Lebanese citizens, who are the true owners of these elections and who should engage in them as candidates, participants, and voters."
Siniora emphasized the importance of participating in the elections to prevent opportunists from distorting representation and occupying the void that may arise from calls not to engage in this national entitlement. He urged ensuring that the new parliament emerges with a core for responsible governance capable of addressing the needed reforms in all areas to navigate this new phase filled with various challenges and difficulties.
Among the notable abstainers from running was former minister Ziad Baroud, announcing he would participate in the elections as a citizen and responsible voter.
Regarding significant nominations, President of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party MP Asaad Hardan announced yesterday the party's candidates in most districts, including: Ghassan Ghosn for Beirut II, Hassan Al-Ashi for Baalbek-Hermel, Antoine Salwan for West Bekaa-Rachaya, Joseph Kassab for Baabda, Abed Al-Bassit Abbas and Salvador Matar for Akkar, and Asaad Hardan for Marjeyoun-Hasbaya.
Hardan also announced support for Selim Saadeh and his list in Koura and emphasized the need to implement the unfulfilled provisions of the Taif Agreement, highlighting the election of a parliament free from sectarian confines, establishing a Senate, and applying decentralized administrative development.
Former minister Ashraf Rifi declared his candidacy for the upcoming parliamentary elections via Twitter, stating: "I am entering it, reaching out to all sovereign and reformist figures to liberate Lebanon from the guardianship of the Iranian project that has destroyed the state and colluded with the corrupt system. Our project is a true state that befits the Lebanese and the future of generations."
In addition, resigned MP Nadim Gemayel announced his candidacy for the Maronite seat in Beirut I during a press conference held in the Kataeb Party's headquarters in Ashrafieh - Sassine, where he outlined his electoral program. He stressed the need for all sovereign forces to unite for change and clarified that before closing the nomination gate, they would not discuss alliances.
## Political Meetings
A meeting was held yesterday between MP Gebran Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement, and Wiam Wahhab, head of the Arab Tawheed Party, with the presence of the mayor of Bhamdoun, Walid Khairallah, a friend of both parties, along with former ministers Ghassan Atallah and Cesar Abi Khalil. The meeting affirmed the alliance between the Free Patriotic Movement, the Democratic Lebanon Party led by MP Talal Arslan, and Wahhab in the Aley - Chouf district. It was noted that Tarek Walid Khairallah would be a candidate on this list for the Orthodox seat in Aley.
The list currently includes, in addition to Khairallah: Talal Arslan for the Druze seat in Aley, Ghassan Atallah for the Catholic seat in Chouf, Fareed Bustani for the Maronite seat in Chouf, Cesar Abi Khalil for the Maronite seat in Aley, and Wiam Wahhab for the Druze seat in Chouf, noting that the nomination of former minister Naji Bustani for the second Maronite seat in Chouf and the candidates for the two Sunni seats and the second Orthodox seat in Aley will be determined based on official nominations and negotiations ongoing until the end of the period for forming lists on April 5.
It is noted that the obstacles to reaching an agreement with Naji Bustani have been reduced by 70 or 80 percent according to the sources of the list. They are also awaiting the position of Lieutenant General Ali Al-Hajj, who is expected to be included on the list for one of the Sunni seats.
MP Mario Aoun from the Strong Lebanon bloc officially submitted his candidacy for the Chouf district despite the decision by the head of the Free Patriotic Movement, Gebran Bassil, not to nominate him. Former Bar Association president Melhem Khalaf also submitted his candidacy for the Orthodox seat in Beirut II.
The election surprises in Sidon continue, as contrary to the Future Movement's decision and the disapproval of MP Bahia Hariri, both Youssef Al-Nakib and Hassan Shams Eddine submitted their candidacies for the two Sunni seats in Sidon.
Last night, additional surprises unfolded when MP Jamil Al-Sayyid submitted his candidacy request just before the nomination window closed.
## Securing Election Needs
In the mechanics of the electoral process, Minister of Interior and Municipalities Basam Mawlawi held a meeting with governors and mayors, preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections. All administrative and logistical matters were discussed to facilitate the electoral process scheduled for May 15 and ensure its success.
Mawlawi confirmed that "electricity will be secured during the voting process until the end of the ballot counting at the end of the day." He noted that "the primary voting centers will have 26 primary committees, 15 higher registration committees, and 7,000 voting pens. We will reconvene with governors and mayors in ten days after they assess the reality of each voting pen and how to secure electricity for them."
Mawlawi reassured citizens that "the elections will take place on schedule, and the funding will be presented to the General Assembly in Parliament after approval by the committees, and funds will be available to secure the elections and everything necessary for electricity will be ensured." He requested that employees "remain ready for the proper conduct of the electoral process while preserving their rights and compensations."
The Minister clarified that efforts are underway to address all issues related to the General Directorate of Personal Status within possible means to secure IDCards and records for voters. He announced the issuance of a decree allowing missions abroad to renew passports for a fee of only 200,000 Lira for the elections.
The European Union provided 1,770 ballot boxes, and Lebanon received 7,000 boxes of secret ink, also provided through international aid and are now available in the Ministry of Interior's warehouses.
## Cabinet Meeting
The Cabinet is scheduled to hold a session today at 4 PM at the Grand Serail, chaired by Prime Minister Najib Miqati, with 31 procedural items on the agenda, including two draft decrees aimed at:
- Amending some articles and appendices of Decree No. 43 dated 01/19/2017 (the special terms of licensing rounds in Lebanese maritime waters and the model exploration and production agreement), and amending some articles and appendices of Decree No. 4918 dated May 31, 2019 (amending some articles and appendices of Decree No. 43 dated 01/19/2017).
- Amending Article 16 of Decree No. 10289 dated 04/30/2013 (the regulations and provisions related to petroleum activities pursuant to Law No. 132 dated 08/28/2010 - Oil Resources in Maritime Waters).
- Continuing discussions on the national campaign for the sustainable revival of the electricity sector in Lebanon.
On the eve of the session, Prime Minister Najib Miqati visited Ain al-Tineh and met with Speaker Nabih Berri. "Al-Liwaa" learned that Miqati discussed with Berri the formation of the electricity regulatory body as a prerequisite for the integrated electricity plan to move forward.
## Central Bank and Currency Liquidity
The Central Bank issued a statement reminding banks that they can obtain Lebanese pounds in cash provided they sell US dollar banknotes at the "Sayrafa" rate to the Central Bank. Thus, they can secure their depositors' needs in Lebanese pounds without adhering to the quotas granted to them by the Central Bank.
As a consequence, banks should not reduce the withdrawal limits for their customers monthly in Lebanese pounds as long as they have the means to secure liquidity in Lebanese pounds through Sayrafa. The banking regulation committee will verify the liquidity status of banks in the field.
## Food Security
Food security was on the agenda of the meeting chaired by Miqati yesterday afternoon at the Grand Serail for the ministerial committee tasked with following up on food security issues. The ministers of economy and trade, industry, agriculture, culture, national defense, and the secretary-general of the cabinet attended the meeting.
Minister Salam revealed that the discussion addressed the data collected by the committee over the past two weeks, primarily concerning securing basic food items, specifically data related to obtaining wheat quantities from various countries we have contacted. Hence, we reiterate that wheat is available, and negotiations are ongoing on this matter. The Lebanese state has approved a purchase of 50,000 tons of wheat, which is in the final stages, and we will obtain this approval in the coming days from the Ministry of Finance to open the bidding for this quantity.
We have received numerous offers, and several countries have begun to present them, which will be studied swiftly due to the urgency of this issue to avoid any delay. Urgent decisions will be made with extraordinary characteristics, as other countries are withdrawing large quantities, and thus we must secure the required quantities for Lebanon."
He added: "We also discussed other food items such as sugar and oils. We received some reassurances from several countries, particularly Algeria, which might reopen sugar export, and reassurances also came from India regarding sufficient sugar quantities to assist the Lebanese market. Regarding oil, series of meetings were held with supermarket owners, importers, and stakeholders in the oil sector, who confirmed that there are sufficient quantities to meet the market needs. Therefore, Lebanese consumers should not hoard large quantities of oil and buy more than they need, as this creates a crisis in the market while goods are still available."
## No US Facilitations for Electricity
The issue of US facilitation regarding the Caesar Act and sanctions on Syria emerged between US Ambassador Dorothy Shea and Energy Minister Walid Fayad, where Shea described the complex file as "long documents and contracts that require lawyers for several hours to review, as well as complex consultations with the World Bank, the entity responsible for funding the Lebanese government, in addition to guidelines regarding the regulatory body and billing, and the complexities of pricing in global energy markets resulting from the Russo-Ukrainian war."
She emphasized that this situation is not easy, particularly at this time, and she advised the Lebanese people to exercise patience, as benefiting from "sustainable electricity" is not an easy task.
Sources involved in the electricity file indicated that the meeting between Minister Fayad and Ambassador Shea covered all matters related to the required facilitation to import electrical energy from Jordan and the pumping of Egyptian gas to Lebanon to increase electricity generation, along with the obstacles still preventing the completion of this process and the initiation of execution steps.
These sources noted that the US Ambassador informed Minister Fayad that her country is committed to taking steps to issue the necessary exemptions under the Caesar Act to expedite the process of establishing an electricity import plan and pumping gas, as agreed with the Lebanese government and authorities in Jordan and Egypt. However, all this remains linked to the Lebanese government first fully approving the electricity plan, including all its reform components, for the World Bank to be able to finance it, particularly covering the costs related to the process of importing energy from Jordan and the pumping of gas from Egypt.
The sources pointed out that Ambassador Shea informed Minister Fayad that the delays in finalizing the comprehensive electricity revival plan rest with the Lebanese government, which has caused delays in starting to import electrical energy from Jordan and pumping Egyptian gas to Lebanon. The sooner the Lebanese government acts to approve the aforementioned plan, the quicker the process for importing electrical energy and pumping Egyptian gas to Lebanon will take place.
