All eyes are on the presidential election session scheduled for Thursday, to determine whether Speaker Nabih Berri will convert it into a consultative dialogue session aimed at easing tensions and reaching a consensus on one or more names to carry the presidential race, should the intentions of the parliamentary blocs align to extricate the country from the crisis it has been grappling with for over three years.
In this regard, political sources have noted that there is a more positive climate this time than before, expressed by the majority of blocs, which may help in at least reaching a consensus on selecting one or two names for the presidency. The sources informed “Al-Anbaa” electronic newspaper that the blocs that have declared their willingness to participate in the dialogue without preconditions include the Development and Liberation bloc, the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc, the Democratic Gathering, the National Moderation bloc, the independent Sunni deputies, and the Phalange. However, the Strong Lebanon bloc stipulates that the dialogue must take place under the Parliament dome, and that it should not include predetermined names nor should it impact the electoral sessions; similarly, the "Strong Lebanon" bloc links its participation to not promoting former minister Sleiman Frangieh by its allies in the March 8 coalition, which may provide hope this time for a potential positive outcome, unlike previous instances.
The sources revealed that Berri is keen on ensuring the constitutional representation of each bloc with three deputies participating in the dialogue as a fundamental aspect to successfully facilitate the discussions. In terms of statements, Deputy Ahmad Al-Kheer mentioned in a conversation with “Al-Anbaa” that the mechanism of dialogue has not yet been clarified for agreement by the political parties, and that the session on Thursday will be electoral, followed by a dialogue session among the parties. So far, we have not been informed of any details as some parties have not confirmed their attendance yet. Al-Kheer said, "As the Moderation bloc, we are advocates of dialogue and support any discussions leading to the election of a president; however, I see that each party attempts to impose its equation on the other, while the country needs a president who restores unity and maintains Lebanon's relationship with its Arab and Gulf environment in particular. Without this equation, they will not be able to provide anything."
Regarding the discussed names, he believes it is about changing the prevailing mindset among most parties on how to build and reactivate the state or pursuing a new experience and entrenching the existing equation from previous phases.
For her part, Deputy Cynthia Zarazir stated in a call with “Al-Anbaa” that the Change MPs bloc has not yet determined its stance on the dialogue; personally, she will not participate in the dialogue as she refuses to negotiate with a regime she described as criminal and deceitful. She added, "We did not become MPs to engage in dialogue with such a regime that cares only about stealing people's money," asserting that she will not vote for Deputy Michel Moawad or any candidate from the ruling authority.
Meanwhile, Deputy Najat Aoun, who is currently outside Lebanon, revealed to “Al-Anbaa” that discussions are still ongoing with the parties. For his part, independent Deputy Bilal Al-Hoshimi confirmed to “Al-Anbaa” that the independent Sunni deputies will participate in the dialogue with three deputies: Bilal Al-Hoshimi, Nabil Badr, and Imad Al-Hout, ruling out the possibility of reaching a solution by the end of this year. He stated, "Perhaps the picture will become clearer at the beginning of the new year, but the dialogue will inevitably lead to a reduction in tensions as we are in a complex crisis, and President Berri did well to call for dialogue."
Thus, the positive atmosphere prevails over the negative, while the output Berri will work on Thursday, the structure of the dialogue sessions, the participants, and the representation he will ensure remain key considerations before moving forward with his initiative.
