The Lebanese opposition has intensified its contacts and meetings in preparation for the presidential election set by parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for January 9.
Talks have focused on the potential presidential candidates and reaching an agreement on a figure who will be approved by rival forces, notably the Shiite duo of Hezbollah and Amal, which is led by Berri.
The duo has been the main party responsible for obstructing the election of a president in the past. Lebanon has been without a head of state since October 2022 when the term of Michel Aoun ended without the election of a successor.
French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian was in Lebanon last week to discuss the elections with local leaderships.
The election will be closely watched by the international community given the volatile regional situation and in wake of the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanese Forces MP Ghayath Yazbeck said the opposition is working tirelessly to come up with a candidate that would be accepted by the other camp.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that former minister Jihad Azour may no longer be a suitable nominee given the different circumstances in the country and since the Shiite duo and their allies view him as a “contentious” candidate.
The other camp, on their end, must also avoid naming a candidate seen as “controversial” by the opposition, he remarked.
Even though Lebanon has been going through the presidential vacuum for over two years, the opposition is still coming up with the suitable characteristics of a candidate.
Yazbeck said the country needs a president who thoroughly understands economy and can carry out needed reforms. He must enjoy the trust of international institutions, including the International Monetary Funds and World Bank.
He revealed that it seems that Hezbollah and Amal are leaning towards abandoning the nomination of Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh.
“The Lebanese Forces and opposition don’t want to fill the post with just any person. Rather, they want a president who believes in Lebanon’s sovereignty and who can carry out reforms, address thorny political and security ties, and rebuild bridges with Arab countries after the damage caused by the other camp,” he stressed.
On whether the LF backs the nomination of Army Commander Joseph Aoun, he replied that he remains a “strong candidate” and the LF does not oppose his run for the presidency.
Meanwhile, independent MP Michel Daher announced that he backs Aoun’s candidacy, explaining to Asharq Al-Awsat that he can “manage stability in Lebanon, which will in turn attract investments to the country.”
“A candidate with an economic background cannot create the desired security,” he remarked.
