The head of the "Loyalty to the Resistance" bloc, MP Mohammad Raad, stated that there is currently no issue called the presidential entitlement "which refers to a disagreement over the person of the president." He attributed the problem to "those who do not want a president that reassures the resistance that he will not stab it in the back, and any person who wishes."
During a memorial celebration in the southern town of Ain Bouswar, he added, "Those who refuse to negotiate with us to reach a president we can agree on say, 'We will not negotiate with you until you withdraw your candidate.' Why should we withdraw our candidate? Let’s engage in dialogue, either you convince us that he is not suitable for this stage, or we convince you of his necessity at this stage. We do not impose anyone on you; the candidacy of Sleiman Frangieh and his election to the presidency will go through the ballot box in the Parliament. You can elect the president you want, and we say come to an understanding so we can bring forth a president we can agree upon."
Raad held other political parties responsible for prolonging the presidential vacancy, noting that eleven sessions were held in the parliamentary council during which voting was conducted with blank papers "to say to you, come to the dialogue."
