On Sunday, MP Mark Dou announced that a significant number of deputies from various blocs have agreed to adopt the name of Jihad Azour as a moderate, non-provocative candidate for the presidency. Dou, while reading the statement of the opposition deputies, indicated that "candidate Jihad Azour is not just the opposition's candidate, nor is he exclusively representing any bloc. The opposition intends to unify behind him to enter the presidential race in his name, considering that today's announcement aims to support him." He added, "Jihad Azour has the ability to gather 65 votes in the upcoming presidential election session," affirming that "we respect the sovereignty of the state and advocate for comprehensive reforms, especially judicial independence and holding those responsible for the disasters accountable."
This announcement follows MP Michel Moawad's withdrawal of his candidacy for the presidency. After a meeting of the opposition blocs in Hazmieh, he noted, "When I presented my candidacy for the presidency, I proposed a solution project for all Lebanese, regardless of their political affiliations, as this does not divide anyone." Moawad confirmed, "I am still convinced that there is no partial or patchwork solution. From the beginning, I was aware of the difficulties I would face based on the reality we all live." He added, "Today, we face a project of hegemony that forces the Lebanese to choose between submitting to a candidate who undermines the core of national partnership or experiencing a vacancy and disruption." He declared, "We will not stand idly by in the face of a reality that forces the Lebanese between imposition and disruption. The only solution before us is to widen the areas of alignment to reach the nomination of Jihad Azour, who has gained near unanimous Christian support even if he is not our preferred candidate."
Moawad stated, "Azour is a candidate capable of protecting Lebanon from collapse, which is why I personally decided to participate in this alignment and announce my withdrawal from candidacy to support Jihad Azour. I thank the deputies who voted for me previously."
