Berri Keen to Keep Presidential Elections as Lebanese as Possible

by Naharnet Newsdesk 19 April 2014, 08:38

Speaker Nabih Berri has not invited ambassadors and diplomats to attend Wednesday's parliamentary session to elect a new president, which is a reflection of his skepticism that a president would be elected on that day, reported the daily An Nahar on Saturday.

He told the daily: “I, more than any other official, insist that the elections be as Lebanese as possible.”

He revealed that no foreign intervention has been made regarding the elections, adding that no ambassador has yet spoken to him of the preference of one individual over another for the presidential elections.

“I will hold the parliamentary session according to the regulations,” Berri added.

Moreover, he noted that a new president will not necessarily be elected during the first round, even if the needed quorum is met at parliament.

Any candidate must secure two-thirds of votes to win in the first round of elections.

“Efforts will be exerted to ensure the success of the second round, which requires the vote of 65 lawmakers to elect a president,” said the speaker.

The speaker had called parliament to convene on April 23 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.

M.T.

D.A.

Comments 5

ex-fpm 19 April 2014, 08:48

“I, more than any other official, insist that the elections be as Lebanese as possible.”

yes for sure; we believe you.

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lebanon_first 19 April 2014, 08:50

For Berri, "Lebanese" means that sickly shia dominated group of thugs that manifested on 8march such as Amal, ssnp, baath, pals, other miscellaneous junk, the whole group protected by HA's weapons, in the relentless pursuit of war.

For us, "Lebanese" is a "risseileh" like st John Paul II described us where people thrive for living together in peace, for economic growth, and for search for happiness

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geha 19 April 2014, 08:56

unfortunately for Berri and m8, whatever they say translates into: a president that reflects the views of the Syrian regime and iran, or, you will never have a president by the force of our weapons and threats.
and who is supporting them? aoun the clown :) without his cover these thugs would have never ever reached this far with their arrogance.
aoun will not attend the elections contrary to his promise to do so to al rahi :)

and he talks about what is best for the Christians? vacuum at the presidency is what is best for Christians :)

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-phoenix1 19 April 2014, 11:26

I now believe that civilians cannot be expected to be given the presidency, there's simply too much push and pull between the rival parties, so our best options looks set to remain in the hands of the military, if Suleiman's term cannot be extended, then best that general Qahwaji be elected for the job, At least he has the army behind him, he is respected and is known for his seriousness. Under no circumstances should the seat be left vacant.

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