Franjieh Urges Supporters Not to 'Take to Streets' on Monday

Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh called Thursday on his supporters not to “take to the streets” on Monday, stressing that he is only seeking a “democratic” presidential vote session.

“Our dear people, although I appreciate your sentiment, enthusiasm and loyalty, I strongly call on you not to rally or take to the streets or public squares on Monday, the date of the electoral session, and we are only seeking a democratic session. This is what we are and these are our ethics,” Franjieh said in a statement.

“Your admiration has always been and will always be the main thing and I thank you for your commitment,” he added.

Franjieh has stressed that he will not withdraw from the presidential race although he has admitted that the presidential chances of his electoral rival, Free Patriotic Movement founder MP Michel Aoun, are “stronger.”

Aoun was tipped to become president after al-Mustaqbal Movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri formally endorsed him last Thursday.

Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014 and Hizbullah, Aoun's Change and Reform bloc and some of their allies have been boycotting the parliament's electoral sessions, stripping them of the needed quorum.

Hariri had launched an initiative in late 2015 to nominate Franjieh for the presidency but his proposal was met with reservations from the country's main Christian parties as well as Hizbullah.

The supporters of Aoun's nomination have argued that he is more eligible than Franjieh to become president due to the size of his parliamentary bloc and his bigger influence in the Christian community.