The extension of parliament's four-year mandate will likely be backed by 110 lawmakers during a session scheduled to be held on Friday after efforts to convince Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun to support such a move failed.

Several MPs expected around 105 or 110 lawmakers to vote for the extension if they all attended Friday's session although its duration is still the source of controversy between different parliamentary blocs.

Change and Reform parliamentary bloc MP Ibrahim Kanaan revealed on Thursday that the Free Patriotic Movement began drafting a request to challenge the extension of the parliament's mandate.

Kanaan, who is loyal to FPM leader MP Michel Aoun, pointed out in remarks published in As Safir newspaper that the challenge will be filed directly after the parliament endorses the extension.

A parliamentary session set to be held on Friday will include the extension of its mandate as an only article on its agenda.

Speaker Nabih Berri, who chaired on Wednesday a meeting for the parliament's bureau in Ain el-Tineh, called for a session on Friday at 3:00 p.m.

Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Wednesday that current security situation prevents the government from carrying out elections in calm conditions, which compels the extension of the parliament's mandate.

“The purpose behind extending the tenure of the parliament is to avert any negative repercussions,” Berri said in comments published in several local newspapers.

Head of the Mustaqbal bloc MP Fouad Saniora hoped on Tuesday that political powers would succeed in reaching an agreement over pending disputes linked to the parliamentary elections, including the possible extension of parliament's mandate.

He said after holding talks with Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain el-Tineh: “We have the upcoming hours to reach an agreement over a proposal that enjoys the support of the majority of the factions.”

Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam will seek to form a cabinet whether the current parliament's tenure was extended or the parliamentary elections took place.

According to An Nahar newspaper published on Tuesday, Salam didn't submit his electoral candidacy because he is committed to the formation of a cabinet capable of overseeing the polls.

Speaker Nabih Berri called on Tuesday parliament's bureau to convene on Wednesday morning.

The session will take place at 11:30 a.m.

Speaker Nabih Berri revealed on Monday that he would call for an inter-Islamic dialogue after he hopefully resolves the disagreements on the June parliamentary elections during a session end of the week.

Berri told local dailies that he would contact the Hizbullah leadership and al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri to set the ground for the dialogue “which has become necessary and urgent at this dangerous stage.”

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri contacted on Sunday Speaker Nabih Berri in order to discuss the latest developments, including the Mar Mikhael blasts in Beirut's southern suburbs.

He said in a statement: “It is not enough to condemn strife during such attacks, but national responsibilities require all leaderships to warn those seeking unrest to halt their attempts to weaken and replace the state.”

Lebanese Democratic Party leader MP Talal Arslan announced on Saturday his support for Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblat's proposal to extend the parliament's term to avoid a deteriorating security situation.

“I support the proposal of MP Walid Jumblat to extend the legislature's mandate,” said Arslan from Ain el-Tineh following talks with Speaker Nabih Berri.