The second session for the election of a president for the republic lost its quorum today, as only 71 out of 86 MPs were present. Speaker Nabih Berri postponed the session until Thursday, October 20, at 11 a.m. It is worth noting that the "Strong Lebanon" bloc, the "Loyalty to the Resistance" bloc, and several other MPs with valid excuses did not attend the session.
MP Wael Abu Faour spoke before the session, saying: "Every time we find an excuse to say that a conspiracy is taking place, what does it matter if the session is on the 13th of October? It is a date, and the electoral obligation is more important than the timing. The blocs should come to express their positions; we have announced our candidate." He added, "The other blocs should do the same, and so far, there is no consensus among the blocs." After the session, he remarked, "It seems we have entered a presidential vacuum."
In the same context, MP Marwan Hamadeh said: "Hopefully, what is to come is not worse. The scenario has been clear since yesterday, and Berri calls for a session every week to give time to the MPs." MP Razzi Al-Haj stated: "We insist on attending the session and electing Ma’rouf, and we should not disrupt the quorum. The disruption comes from the allies of the 'party,' and it is known that the team that has not yet formed its candidate is following a plan of disruption in addition to forming a government before falling into vacuum."
For his part, MP Hassan Fadlallah said from the parliament: "We await securing the quorum, and the 'Forces' proposed a challenging candidate. We see that the challenge lies with us; we must engage in dialogue as blocs to determine a consensual candidate, for proposing a challenge leads to more sessions without results."
MP Paula Yacoubian considered that "there are several options and the blocs are playing for time, which is detrimental to the country, and what is happening today reflects the importance of our initiative because we know that the Christian blocs are maneuvering and raising their negotiating ceiling and are not seriously heading towards electing a president."
MP Imad Al-Hout stated: "We will not name any candidate today and will vote for 'New Lebanon.' We want a president who addresses all Lebanese and can break the Arab isolation of the country, and when we vote for a name, it should have a chance to succeed."
MP Georges Adwan emphasized, "We want a president who can lift Lebanon from its current situation, and MP Ma’rouf can bring about the desired change. I call upon all blocs to be transparent with public opinion regarding their choices."
In the same vein, MP Mark Dhao said: "We participated today out of our national duty and attended to affirm our initiative, which includes a basket of names and we can reach a consensual process to save and reform the country. We are heading to meet the Akkar bloc to discuss the possibility of making a breakthrough."
MP Michel Ma’rouf said: "The country is in a state of collapse, and today’s scene is regrettable. Everyone is convinced that the presidential entitlement should be a serious entry point for dialogue, and I do not see any project, candidate, or option on the other side. I say to the opposition that the only path to salvation is to unify our ranks." He added, "To achieve salvation, we must return to the West and the Arab countries, and to the unity of the Lebanese. I am not a challenge candidate, and consensus cannot happen under the shadow of weapons, and settlements will only lead to further collapse."
