Presidential Elections Postponed to July 15
Parliament failed once again on Wednesday to elect a president after quorum was not met during the 25th elections session.
Speaker Nabih Berri postponed the polls to July 15.
MP Michel Pharaon stated after the meeting: “The paralysis at parliament and at cabinet are spreading to the remaining state institutions.”
Meanwhile, MP Marwan Hamadeh responded to criticism directed by Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi against lawmakers, saying: “Why are we being lumped in sermons and statements with those who have been boycotting electoral sessions?”
“We have attended all 25 meetings,” he stressed.
The patriarch has repeatedly condemned the presidential vacuum and lawmakers for failing to elect a new head of state.
Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014 when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of a successor.
Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps over a compromise presidential candidate have thwarted the polls.
The Loyalty to the Resistance bloc of Hizbullah and the Change and Reform bloc of Michel Aoun have been boycotting the elections.
M.T.
G.K.
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