ALBAWABA - Ahead of a pivotal parliamentary session on Thursday, Marada Movement leader Sleiman Frangieh declared his formal withdrawal from the race for Lebanese president on Wednesday.
In a statement, Frangieh said, "With the conditions for electing a president now aligned for tomorrow's session, and given the current circumstances, I announce my withdrawal from the presidential race, which was never an obstacle to the electoral process." Additionally, he emphasized General Joseph Aoun's presidential qualities and voiced his support for him. "I thank those who supported me and wish the parliamentary council success in electing a president, hoping the nation overcomes this phase with unity, awareness, and responsibility."
Since the tenure of previous President Michel Aoun expired on October 31, 2022, Lebanon has been without a president. Due to a lack of a quorum, parliamentary sessions to choose his successor have been regularly postponed; the most recent one was in June 2023.
Nabih Berri, the speaker of the parliament, reiterated that Thursday's meeting, scheduled for 11:00 AM local time, would go on according to schedule and, if required, will include additional voting rounds. Berri emphasized that "there is determination to elect a president, whether in Thursday’s session or in subsequent days" and asked all 128 members of parliament to carry out their duties in a statement to the An-Nahar daily. Sessions would only break for Sunday mass or Friday prayers, he said.
A presidential contender must get a two-thirds majority in the first round of voting in accordance with Lebanese election regulations. An absolute majority of more than 50% of the votes is enough in later rounds. Frangieh's decision to withdraw is seen as an attempt to end the current impasse and help elect a candidate who can bring the political landscape together.
