Salam Lauds Presidential Polls for Being Democratic

Prime Minister Tammam Salam lauded on Wednesday the presidential election process, saying it was a reflection of the country's democracy.

The parliamentary session came as part of the political consensus that prevailed in the country since the formation of the cabinet, Salam said.

“The stability that the national interest cabinet was able to consolidate in the country with the support of all the political parties allowed this democratic process to take place,” he said.

The first round of the presidential polls “was a reflection of the Lebanese democracy despite its results,” he added.

The parliament failed to elect a new head of state on Wednesday with no candidate securing the two-thirds of the vote needed to win.

But Speaker Nabih Berri set the second round for next Wednesday, during which a candidate should secure the votes of 65 MPs in the 128-member parliament.

Salam hoped the parliament would be able to elect the most suitable candidate within the Constitutional deadline.

President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ends at midnight on May 24. He will leave Baabda Palace the next day.

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