Who will take the initiative, or rather, take the risk, of proposing an additional name among the candidates for the "third option" in the Lebanese presidential elections, which have been postponed since October 31, 2022, and are expected to be resolved in late May? A high-ranking political source revealed to "Al-Anbaa" that despite the positive atmosphere from the quintet committee and international envoys, U.S. Amos Hochstein and French Jean-Yves Le Drian, regarding progressing towards electing a president, the main sticking point remains whether any side will propose a name or expand the short list, which currently consists of two ambassadors (one of whom is in the Vatican and the other is currently in a diplomatic position there), and a former minister from the hawks during President Emile Lahoud's term, plus a Kesrouan MP who initially started the presidential race vigorously but then slowed his pace in line with the circumstances.
According to the source, this discussion arises in light of reports about the refusal by the president of the Free Patriotic Movement, MP Gebran Bassil, concerning a name that has received approval from the Vatican, Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. It was reported that Hezbollah is still firmly supporting the candidacy of the head of the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh, and will not consider abandoning him until it is assured that a consensual solution is mature enough for all parties to proceed.
A Lebanese politician currently residing in a European capital told "Al-Anbaa" that there is an anticipation for a new convergence between Speaker Berri and MP Bassil on an agreed name that they ensure is acceptable to Hezbollah, meets external approval, and is capable of garnering the necessary majority of votes for securing victory.
The politician revealed that an expected move from the Council of Eastern Patriarchs, backed by papal envoy Monsignor Paolo Borgia, who has veto power like the U.S. side and Hezbollah over any name that does not gain acceptance, is to propose a list of names for discussion, paving the way to reach an agreement on one to be formally presented to the National Assembly.
He did not hide his concern that May might pass without the presidential elections being conducted due to the maneuvers of the Lebanese, which would plunge the country further into a precarious situation.
In this context, a parliamentary source told "Al-Anbaa" that the latest round of the quintet committee showed a widening gap between the political forces involved in the presidential process on one hand, and the committee members who lack a unified stance on this process and its components, as well as their interactions with the core voters, and vice versa. This issue diminishes prospects for success, reinforcing the need for intensified efforts through a regional and international understanding that has a feasible vision to market and persuade major players, rather than merely gauging positions and conducting seasonal tours, according to "Al-Anbaa" Kuwait.
