Democratic Gathering Calls for 'Confronting' Attempts to Obstruct Presidential Elections

The Democratic Gathering stressed on Tuesday the importance of dialogue among the rival political parties to avert vacuum in the presidency.

It called for confronting the obstruction of presidential election sessions, while voicing its commitment to the nomination of its member MP Henri Helou to the presidency.

The parliamentary bloc made its statement after meeting at the lawmaker's residence.

Head of the bloc MP Walid Jumblat was present at the meeting.

Helou remarked: “I was nominated by the Democratic Gathering in order to bridge the gap between the Lebanese people.”

“We must respect the constitution in confronting efforts to obstruct the polls,” he added.

He confirmed that the Democratic Gathering will attend Wednesday's parliamentary session aimed at addressing President Michel Suleiman's message that urged parliament to act in accordance with the constitution to avert the dangers that could arise from the failure to elect a new head of state by May 25.

The bloc also said that it will attend the fifth presidential elections session scheduled for Thursday.

Helou had received 16 votes during the first round of the elections, while rival candidate Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea had received 48.

A candidate needed 86 votes to emerge victorious in the polls.

Three other presidential sessions were scheduled, but they failed to be held due to a lack of quorum caused by a boycott of the majority of the March 8 camp over the ongoing disagreement with the March 14 alliance over a presidential candidate.

M.T.

S.D.B.