Despite the recent positive developments concerning the presidential election following the statement from the ambassadors of the Arab and international quintet issued from the US Embassy in Aoukar (northeast of Beirut), what has leaked from key parties, particularly the opposition team, suggests that matters are not heading toward a quick happy ending, as there remains a persistence in linking the presidency with ongoing conflict zones. In this context, a source close to the duo stated to "Al-Anbaa": "There is no debate over an undeniable fact, which is that if the constitution is applied, the presidency is not an issue but rather a simple and smooth affair. So far, there is only one serious presidential candidate (from the duo), which is the head of the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh, who will continue his battle to the end and will not withdraw under any circumstances."
The source added: "For Frangieh to ascend to the presidency, he needs an agreement with the Lebanese Forces or the Free Patriotic Movement, preferably with both major parties, as there is a problem among Christians regarding consensus among themselves. It is worth noting that consensus does not necessarily mean bringing a consensus president. They may agree on a non-consensual figure, hence the responsibility of Christians, especially the Maronites, is significant. This does not mean that the presidency is solely a Christian matter, but rather it is a national position with a Christian flavor, because unfortunately, we are in a sectarian country."
The source explained that Lebanon needs a seasoned political president with a popular base; a president capable of successfully completing his six-year constitutional term, as the conditions for success are challenging given the significant obstacles. Thus, we emphasize that it is up to the Free Patriotic Movement and the Lebanese Forces to end the vacancy of the presidential seat, as this is their responsibility. They can eliminate the link between the presidency and any other event. Regardless of events and developments, the sole option of electing a president must remain on the urgent agenda, which is in the hands of the two main Christian forces.
The source confirmed that tying the presidency to any preconditions is unacceptable and prolongs the vacancy of the presidential seat. We should learn from the experience of the presidential elections of 1970 when Sleiman El-Ibrahim Frangieh won against Elias Sarkis by a single vote. It should also be acknowledged that when internal consensus occurs, external influence diminishes and becomes subject to Lebanese will. Conversely, when internal consensus is lost, external influence grows and becomes decisive.
The source continued by saying: "While emphasizing that the presidency should not be linked to any prior conditions, this does not mean that consultation should not occur away from the spotlight, whether to reach consensus on a candidate and elect him, or to limit the candidates to two or three at most, then move to the Parliament and rely on the democratic process."
He noted that the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, prefers dialogue, consultation, and consensus, as he comes from a school of internal consensus and resistance to external interference. Unfortunately, the motto "Lebanon First" has turned into "The President First" to keep Lebanon afloat. Therefore, we need to reach a consensus and bring in a president capable of reshaping Lebanon's role in its Arab surroundings and in the Middle East, according to "Al-Anbaa" from Kuwait.
