Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for a Lebanese-led solution to the presidential vacuum during talks with French Envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian. As Lebanon prepares for a parliamentary session on January 9 to elect a new president, the country faces political challenges without a president since October 2022. The election requires a majority in the fragmented Parliament, complicating the process amid ongoing issues, including a ceasefire with Israel.
On Tuesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty highlighted the necessity for Lebanese unity in resolving the ongoing presidential vacuum, advocating for a Lebanese-led solution devoid of external influences. This statement came during a conversation with Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French President’s Special Envoy to Lebanon. The discussion revolved around the current political landscape in Lebanon, particularly as the Lebanese Parliament prepares to convene on January 9 for the presidential election amidst prolonged political stalemate.
Abdelatty underscored the importance of genuine national ownership in overcoming the presidential vacuum and emphasized Egypt’s commitment to supporting Lebanon during this critical juncture. He noted that it is essential for Lebanon to enhance its national institutions. Currently, Lebanon has been without a president since former President Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022, with the Parliament having failed to elect a successor after 13 sessions due to a lack of agreement among factions.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reiterated his call for a session on Thursday to facilitate the presidential election, an endeavor complicated by a lack of consensus among the numerous political blocs. Amid these challenges, Lebanon is also navigating a fragile ceasefire with Israel following recent escalations, which have exacerbated the nation’s predicaments.
The selection of the president necessitates a majority within the 128-seat Parliament, where no party currently holds a decisive number of seats, thus mandating negotiations between competing political factions. The constitution requires a quorum of 86 members for the presidential vote, and the successful candidate must acquire 65 votes in the first round or an absolute majority in subsequent rounds.
Following the ceasefire with Israel, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem reaffirmed the group’s readiness to collaborate with the Lebanese state to bolster institutional frameworks, particularly emphasizing the need for electing a president. Additionally, Walid Jumblatt, former head of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party, stated his support for Army Commander General Joseph Aoun as a presidential candidate. The Lebanese Forces party, a principal Christian faction, has echoed the urgency of electing a president to restore state accountability. The scheduled parliamentary session on January 9 represents a pivotal moment for Lebanon’s political future as it grapples with various domestic and regional challenges.
The context of the ongoing presidential vacuum in Lebanon stems from the necessity for a new president to be elected to fill the void left by former President Michel Aoun, whose term ended in October 2022. The Lebanese political system mandates a consensus-driven approach, where no single political group can dominate the 128-member Parliament, thus complicating the election process. The situation is further intensified by external pressures and Lebanon’s current political and social crises, which include economic challenges and security issues following skirmishes with Israel.
In conclusion, Egypt’s appeal for a Lebanese consensus underscores the critical need for internal unity and cooperation in addressing the presidential vacuum. The upcoming parliamentary session on January 9 will be crucial in determining Lebanon’s political future. Given the challenges facing the country, including the aftermath of conflict and ongoing instability, establishing a president who can unify the various factions and enhance national governance is more vital than ever.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
