The newspaper "Al-Liwaa" reports: This evening, Dar Al-Fatwa in the Republic of Lebanon has called for sighting the crescent of Shawwal, which means tomorrow could either be the first day of Eid al-Fitr or the completion of the Ramadan month with 30 days, pushing the celebration to the following day. Regardless of the lunar cycle, the holiday will continue until Wednesday, May 4, marking the countdown to the elections from May 6 to May 15, amidst highly complicated circumstances concerning security and finances. Concerns over possible "disruptions" or clashes, not to mention Israeli maneuvers during the Lebanese election month, have been highlighted as a critical issue on the agenda that cannot be ignored despite the regional conflicts. For this purpose, the Supreme Defense Council held a meeting yesterday afternoon under the title "Security and Administrative Coordination to Conduct Parliamentary Elections Without Issues."
Sources observing the High Defense Council meeting stated that security, logistical, and administrative preparations were the sole topics discussed, confirming readiness to proceed with the elections. However, financial aspects were also raised as a common concern, with relevant ministers complaining about the lack of funding allocated for the electoral process. Minister of Finance, Youssef Khalil, clarified that the allocated funds, amounting to 380 billion Lebanese pounds, would be transferred before the election deadline. It was noted that part of these funds would be allocated for the security forces and employees participating in the elections.
On the topic of security force shortages on election day, sources indicated that State Security would be mobilized for this day, which would also apply to General Security, while the Army and Internal Security Forces would automatically assume responsibility. Interior and Municipalities Minister, Bassam Mawlawi, emphasized that security agencies would cooperate, indicating that election day would be "great" within the available capabilities.
It was also known that measures would be undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to transport ballots from the diaspora to the Bank of Lebanon's treasury until the elections take place on May 15, to be distributed according to each region. Furthermore, the Minister of Justice disclosed that coordination would take place with public prosecutors to address any issues, and a meeting between the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Interior would occur for this purpose.
The sources confirmed that the security agencies affirmed their readiness for election day. Minister of Energy and Water, Walid Fayyad, noted that the Electricité du Liban (EDL) would supply 26 major and minor polling stations with power for 14 hours daily from May 5 to May 16, while ensuring that power cuts do not exceed 4 to 6 hours continuously.
Despite this, political sources believe that Prime Minister Mikati's government has effectively ended due to its failure in promoting the "Capital Control" project, a crucial element in the final agreement with the International Monetary Fund to address Lebanon's financial and economic crisis. The sources noted that the rescue government has only a few days left before becoming effectively resigned after the May 15 parliamentary elections, having failed to implement even the minimum of the promises and measures it committed to, which remain mere delayed promises, most likely for the new government.
The sources outlined the government's various commitments, starting from increased electrical supply, whether through importing energy from Jordan or gas from Egypt, all of which collapsed amid regional and international conflicts, or the failure to address the crises resulting from the ongoing collapse and the delay in executing the economic recovery plan. The government had failed to achieve any of these tasks, exacerbating the situation compared to before its formation, especially in terms of electrical supply, which dropped to nearly zero last week, a situation unprecedented before.
The decline in the Lebanese pound's exchange rate reached record levels, while fuel prices soared to historic heights, accompanied by severe difficulties in securing flour and medicine, astronomical increases in the cost of living, and the continued collapse of state institutions and administrations. The sources considered the outcome of the Mikati government's final term to be a failure of a "whatever" government instead of a government of specialists emerging from the French initiative, unable to fulfill even the minimal of its tasks in rescuing Lebanon from its crises.
The meeting was convened at the invitation of President Michel Aoun, attended by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, discussing the security preparations for the parliamentary elections and other security topics, attended by various ministers and military leaders.
The President emphasized the need for security and administrative coordination to conduct parliamentary elections without issues. He also called for the establishment of guidelines for media coverage of the elections and to cooperate with international observers and the electoral oversight authority. Prime Minister Mikati affirmed the importance of maintaining the state's dignity and the sanctity of security institutions to guarantee citizens' protection, stating, "We are in favor of human rights and freedom of opinion, yet without any transgressions that negatively affect our state and to avoid leading the country to the brink."
Following the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Council, Maj. Gen. Mohamed Mustafa, announced several decisions, emphasizing coordination among all relevant public administrations and security forces to ensure the success of this constitutional milestone, intensification of meetings among security agencies to make appropriate decisions regarding election preparations, the establishment of an operations room in the Ministry of Interior to oversee the electoral process in all respects, and the continuation of public awareness campaigns to facilitate the voting process.
After the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Bou Habib stated that they needed cash to pay employees for the elections and that the Minister of Finance guaranteed the funds. Minister of Interior Bassam Mawlawi announced plans for a successful electoral process, while the Minister of Finance, Youssef Khalil, confirmed efforts to secure 380 billion before May 15, including for employees involved in the election process.
Additionally, Minister of Energy Walid Fayyad confirmed an agreement with the Ministry of Interior for EDL to supply 26 polling stations, ensuring power for 14 hours daily, maintaining that electricity cuts would not exceed six hours continuously. The council received a commitment from EDL Director General Kamal Hayek to secure electricity for the polling centers.
Regarding the displaced, Prime Minister Mikati chaired a meeting of the ministerial committee discussing the Syrian refugee issue, which included relevant ministers and advisors to establish policies for immediate coordination with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. This meeting decided actions such as enforcing labor laws on Syrian refugees and communicating with Syrian authorities for the quick return of the displaced.
On another note, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian informed his Lebanese counterpart, Bou Habib, of Iran's readiness to provide fuel and flour to Lebanon, highlighting its significance amid the country’s challenging economic conditions. He welcomed the return of Gulf ambassadors to Lebanon, noting the nation’s regional significance.
Electoral remarks from former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora emphasized that the national interest is to resist the grim reality and not succumb to the Iranian expansionist project affecting the region, advocating for communal participation in the electoral process to prevent Hezbollah and its allies from dominating parliamentary seats.
Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, commented on the potential for significant Israeli military exercises during May, asserting that these drills would not distract them from responding to any Israeli aggression, remaining vigilant and prepared to act against any mistakes or provocations.
In societal news, a video emerged showing protesters in Akkar burning images of MP Gibran Bassil, expressing their rejection of his presence in the area.
Despite the recent tragedies regarding migrant drownings, reports confirmed that the Lebanese Army intercepted several individuals preparing to smuggle around 85 people via boat, seizing the vessel and initiating legal proceedings against those arrested.
Health officials reported 91 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths, bringing the total to 1,096,854 confirmed cases since February 21, 2020.
