Jumblat Will Choose Presidential Candidate 'at Last Minute'

Head of the National Struggle Front MP Walid Jumblat ruled out the possibility of the nomination of MPs Henri Helou or Fouad al-Saad for the presidential elections, saying that he will not declare his candidate at the moment, reported al-Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday.

He explained: “I will choose the candidate at the last moment and after consulting my conscience and political partners.”

These consultations include talks with Speaker Nabih Berri and the Mustaqbal Movement, he added after a National Struggle Front meeting on Friday.

He expressed his preference for a candidate with clear presidential programs, especially one who focuses on social and economic issues.

“I cannot vote for a ghost,” he said.

Berri had called parliament to convene on Wednesday in order to elect a president.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea is so far the only official to submit his candidacy for the elections.

The March 8 camp has not yet announced its candidate, but recent reports said that it may nominate MP Emile Rahme.

Other reports had said that Kataeb Party chief Amin Gemayel may be running in the polls, but he is yet to make an official announcement.

M.T.

D.A.