Three days away from the controversial date of October 13 for the presidential election session, and after the Free Patriotic Movement expressed its "discontent" with scheduling it on this date, communications continue to determine the fate of the session, which remains set until Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri announces otherwise. In this context, member of the "Strong Lebanon" bloc, MP Alan Aoun, indicates that "there is a tendency to boycott," but he has not finalized the position and has left the door open until Tuesday, the date of the bloc's meeting to decide the final stance.
Regarding any communication with Speaker Nabih Berri to postpone the session, the "Current" MP confirmed in a conversation with the electronic newspaper "Anbaa" that "there is a desire on this matter, and communication has taken place with him regarding it, but as of now, there is no change in his position." MP Aoun does not expect any solidarity from other Christian parties with the "Current," just as the latter had shown solidarity with the "Kataeb" on September 14 and boycotted the legislative session.
If the bloc decides not to boycott the session, Aoun clarifies that "the Current remains on its previous position and the option of the blank ballot as well in this session." On the other hand, MP Qassem Hashem of the "Development and Liberation" bloc expresses surprise at the "Current's" position, noting that "Berri looks at the agenda of official holidays to schedule sessions; he does not consider the special occasions of the parties and factions," and emphasizes that "we should not dwell on these matters, but unfortunately we are in Lebanon, and each group has its own vision and convictions." However, in his opinion, this should not be an occasion for disruption.
Hashem asserts to "Anbaa" that "the session is still on," pointing out that "the quorum might be completed and will not be disrupted if the session is held and the 'Current' boycotts it." When asked about the bloc's decision regarding the candidate it will present at the electoral session, he replied that "the bloc has not made a final decision, and communications are ongoing, and a final position may crystallize on the morning of the session."
