Samir Abi Lamaa Elected Maronite League Head, List Wins 12 Seats

Samir Abi Lamaa, a former head of the lawyers syndicate, was Saturday elected as the new president of the Maronite League, while Maurice Khawwam was elected as deputy president, state-run National News Agency reported.

The list headed by Abi Lamaa won 12 seats as the rival list headed by Antoine Qlimos -- also a former head of the lawyers syndicate – won three seats, NNA said.

The elections witnessed a heavy turnout amid a “competitive, calm and democratic atmosphere,” the agency reported.

Several political, syndical and social figures took part in the election.

After he cast his vote, outgoing League chief Joseph Torbay said “elections are held every three years to elect a new executive council, and we're glad it is being held in a democratic manner.”

“There are no political divisions in the League and voting it taking place according to the League's interest, not political interests,” Torbay noted.

Qlimos described the electoral battle as “vital, positive and civilized,” calling on politicians to draw lessons from it in their polls.

For his part, Abi Lamaa said the competition was “brotherly, democratic and free.”

MP Naamtallah Abi Nasr said the atmosphere was “calm and civilized, unlike the expectations of some people who said it will be tense.”

A heated debate had surfaced after former Ambassador Abdullah Abu Habib withdrew his candidacy, describing elections as “not serious.”

Habib withdrew last week after considering that the elections is merely a conflict between old and new groups aiming at controlling the league.

Chairman of the Maronite General Council Wadi al-Khazen called on Monday for impartial elections to achieve the best interests of the Maronite sect and the Maronite Patriarchate.

“The interests of the Maronite sect amid the current developments in Lebanon and the region should triumph over all personal interests,” Khazen said in comments published in al-Liwaa newspaper.

He urged the members of the General Maronite Council to prevent the political bickering in the country from having an impact on the league.

Asked about the stance of Bkirki, Khazen said that it isn't biased and supports all candidates.

“Bkirki gathers us and is seeking to activate the role played by the league,” he added.

Khazen noted that the council will cooperate with the new head of the league.

The league is formed of president, vice president and a 15-member board, who are elected for three renewable years.