Change MP accuses opposition parties of torpedoing presidential vote agreement

MP Paula Yacoubian of the Change parliamentary bloc has accused the other opposition forces of “turning against the understanding” that both groupings were reportedly working on in a bid to agree on a single candidate for the presidential election.

“Is there a figure that is more sovereign than (ex-MP) Salah Honein? Why don’t they want to go to a reasonable and acceptable solution?” Yacoubian asked, in an interview with Asharq al-Awsat newspaper published Friday.

“They turned against all agreements and made a condition that we endorse the candidate whom they agreed on and who is not consistent with our initiative which calls for a figure that is not part of the political alignments,” the MP added.

“We believe that only such a figure can secure the number of votes that allows the election of a president and can prevent the win of a March 8 figure. Can they secure 65 votes for Michel Mouawad?” Yacoubian wondered.

Lebanese Forces sources responded to Yacoubian’s remarks, saying that what’s important is that “most opposition components have voted for the presidential candidate Michel Mouawad.”

“Based on the principle of democracy, this will open the door to renewed consultations and communication with all these components to stress that the majority wants this orientation,” the LF sources told Asharq al-Awsat.

“Accordingly, all opposition parties and independents must join this sovereign and reformist choice, because it is in the interest of the opposition’s unity,” the sources added.