Following the first session to elect the new president, it did not seem likely that the election would be completed before October 31. Instead, it signaled an official notification that a political vacuum is imminent, as President Nabih Berri announced that he would not call for another session without agreement.
Meanwhile, recent attempts to form a government continued amid constitutional disagreements. Some believe that since the council convened for the first election session, it has transformed into an electoral body that cannot undertake any other actions. Others assert that the council can continue its work until the last ten days of the mandate, enabling it to discuss the government’s policy statement and grant confidence.
In this context, a parliamentary source following the formation process indicated that if a government emerges, it will gain confidence, suggesting that those who voted for the budget will also vote for confidence. The source noted that yesterday's session encouraged the formation process.
In an interview with "Akhbar Al-Youm" agency, the source revealed that communications and consultations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to lower the conditions set by Michel Aoun and Najib Mikati and their associates, as these conditions are deemed unacceptable and hinder the government's formation at any point. The source added that the activation of negotiations comes after everyone realized that electing a president without agreement "has become congested."
The source stated that yesterday unveiled the map of alliances, reflecting that if the current trend continues, no positive outcome can be achieved. They believed that President Berri successfully accomplished three goals in one session:
1. Officially opened the presidential election process, thus the ball is no longer in his court.
2. Announced that the president will be chosen based on consensus for the benefit of Lebanon.
3. Stimulated the stagnant government file.
Based on the above, the source predicted that the government would be formed within a maximum of ten days, revealing that President Berri is willing to facilitate the formation process as much as possible and will contribute wherever needed. In response to a question, the source stated that no party can impose its will on another, and that consensus and understanding are necessary, with the "blank paper 'that received the most votes'" confirming the reality of this situation.
