Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi disavows any deferral of Lebanon’s presidential election, emphasizing the need for trust among politicians and urging unity. He criticizes reliance on foreign candidates for the presidency and highlights the urgency of restoring confidence in state institutions. The election is scheduled for January 9, amid ongoing political instability and a power vacuum.
During a recent Sunday mass, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi expressed his disapproval of the ongoing delay surrounding the presidential elections in Lebanon. He highlighted the prevailing mistrust among Lebanese politicians and their hesitance to engage with state institutions. Characterizing the reliance on foreign candidates for the presidency as a “big shame,” he urged the community to acknowledge the vital role the next president must play in restoring confidence within the political landscape and amongst the citizens.
Patriarch Al-Rahi acknowledged the positive involvement of friendly nations advocating for the presidential election process, which remains essential after a prolonged power vacuum exceeding two years. Notably, he underscored concerns that certain political figures are still contemplating a possible postponement of the election set for January 9, a mere ten days away. The patriarch underscored the urgent need for national unity, founded on mutual respect, loyalty, and equality under the law, stressing the importance of implementing previously agreed-upon reforms from international conferences held in Paris, Rome, and Brussels.
Al-Rahi asserted the necessity of electing a president capable of embracing this challenging role and emphasized the importance of instilling confidence in him from the political sphere and the Lebanese populace.
The call for the presidential election session on January 9 was made by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, shortly after the ceasefire with Israel was established. He directed that a one-month timeframe be permitted for reaching a consensus among legislative factions. Lebanon currently endures its fourth power vacuum since gaining independence, following the conclusion of Michel Aoun’s term as president on October 31, 2022.
The political landscape in Lebanon has been marked by instability, particularly following the end of Michel Aoun’s presidency, which has plunged the country into its fourth power vacuum since independence. The Maronite Patriarch, as a leading figure in the Christian community, often speaks on critical political matters, emphasizing the need for strong leadership and institutional trust. The call for foreign intervention in choosing a presidential candidate reflects a deeper crisis of confidence within the Lebanese political establishment. Al-Rahi’s recent comments come at a crucial time, given the impending presidential election and the urgency of internal reforms.
In conclusion, Patriarch Al-Rahi’s recent remarks underscore the pressing need for political unity and trust ahead of the upcoming presidential elections in Lebanon. His disavowal of deferring the election is a call to action for Lebanese leaders to engage meaningfully with one another and to the electorate. The patriarch’s emphasis on finding a capable president who can restore confidence and implement essential reforms is paramount for Lebanon’s political stability and governance.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
