The country is regaining its stability after a series of security shocks that occurred last week, nearly reaching a peak on the eve of the 49th anniversary of the outbreak of the civil war, which was yesterday, Saturday. Observers anticipate a "boost" in efforts and increased communication to complete the presidential election that has been delayed since October 31, 2022. They are counting on the actions of ambassadors from the Quintet group (the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar), as well as the international envoys, American Amos Hochstein and French Jean-Yves Le Drian.
According to "Anbaa", two positions have been established regarding the presidential file. The first is that the president must not provoke the United States, the West, or the Arab group, and it is essential that the next president gains the approval of these parties. The second position was conveyed by the American side through intermediaries to one of the parties in the "Shiite duo," stating the "necessity for the president to have the ability to communicate with Hezbollah, and that the latter should not object to his name, given that the president's mission is to provide a dialogue space between the conflicting parties both internally and externally."
In this context, two main candidates continue to vie for the presidency, staying away from the limelight, each experienced in public affairs from their respective positions. The first candidate, who seems to be favored, has worked in a national institution and another (mission) abroad, while the second has managed a sensitive governmental file wisely and upheld the rights of the Lebanese state.
One of the candidates will be absent abroad (Europe) for about two weeks to complete private business, having paused his work in the country since taking up an official position in the late 1990s, though he will remain "available." Meanwhile, the advanced candidate continues his work in a manner that relies on "diplomacy of silence," being infrequent in public appearances and statements, preferring to listen and simply commenting, "God willing, it will be good."
