Presidential Elections Postponed again as Gemayel Warns of Growing Sectarian Divisions

The presidential elections were postponed for the 31st time on Wednesday following a lack of quorum at parliament as head of the Kataeb Party MP Sami Gemayel warned of the “growing sectarian divisions in Lebanon over the frequent constitutional violations.”

Speaker Nabih Berri postponed the polls to December 2.

Gemayel said after the session: “We oppose violation of the constitution and we will confront all settlements made at the expense of the election of a president.”

“It is a shame that the election of a president is not a priority in Lebanon,” he lamented.

“It seems that officials are most concerned with making money and they are neglecting the country's needs,” he said.

“Leaving the country without a president is leading to chaos and severe divisions that are beginning to emerge,” he remarked, while warning that Lebanon could be heading towards civil war if the situation persists.

“We reject settlements made at the expense of Lebanon, its president, and constitution,” the MP declared angrily.

Commenting on Thursday's legislative session, which the Kataeb is boycotting, he said: “We would love to attend any legislative session, but the law does not allow us to do so.”

“The law demands that we elect a president before doing anything else,” he stressed.

“Instead of creating more divisions and violating more laws, officials should elect a new president,” he stated, while slamming the “so-called legislation of necessity” that is endorsed by the Free Patriotic Movement.

The legislative session is set for Thursday and Friday.

“With all respect to the articles on the legislative session agenda, the election of a president is more important than any other issue,” continued Gemayel.

“We are not concerned with any political settlement as long as the presidential post remains vacant,” he added.

Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014 when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of successor.

Numerous electoral sessions have been scheduled, all but one were postponed over a lack of quorum.

Disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps over a compromise candidate have thwarted the polls.

There are several candidates but none of them is willing to make compromises that would allow lawmakers to attend a session aimed at electing a head of state.

The presidential vacuum has hindered the government's ability to tackle growing security, economic and social problems.

M.T.

D.A.