Omar al-Rassi, “Akhbar al-Yawm” agency

Opportunity for a Return to Stability Through “Inclusion and Cooperation"

For these reasons, a president cannot be elected with only 65 votes

Lebanon has long been teetering on the edge of chaos, but there may be an opportunity today to return to stability if officials handle the regional changes and their domestic repercussions wisely. These shifts, notably, have affected Hezbollah more than any other political component, which has a direct impact on how the presidential elections are approached.

According to a well-informed source, speaking to the "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, continuing internal conflicts with Hezbollah will lead to further turmoil. Engaging with the group, however, requires a strategy of accommodation under the cover of the state and its institutions, particularly through extending a hand of cooperation. This is especially relevant as Hezbollah, once firmly entrenched at the top of the political hierarchy, has been brought down to ground level by the blows it has sustained, both at its leadership level and within its regional axis.

The source recalls a statement by Sheikh Muhammad Shams al-Din in his book Al-Wasaya, where he said: “The requirement is for Shiites to be fully integrated citizens in their societies and fully accepted by their communities.” This means that the Shiites cannot maintain a separate entity from the states in which they reside, and so their reference must be the state.

Building on this statement, the source explains that Speaker Nabih Berri has recognized the importance of this principle and is acting accordingly, especially since he has become the sole Shiite political player, with Hezbollah having delegated him the political and negotiation file.

When asked about the presidential election, the source highlights that the state is the ultimate refuge for all parties, and thus the president, particularly in light of the difficult circumstances Lebanon is going through, cannot be elected with just 65 votes. This could create challenges and political alignment against one party or another, possibly putting one group in control of the presidency and the president. Therefore, the president must secure 87 votes to avoid sectarian polarization, particularly of a Christian nature. Inclusivity and positive relations with all parties, as well as with foreign states -especially Arab countries- are essential at this stage. In other words, internal consensus, supported externally, constitutes the first step toward a strong and stable new presidency.

Thus, the source stresses that sound decision-making and wise choices can spare Lebanon many problems and ensure a smooth transition from one phase to another, urging some political parties to abandon selfishness and to adopt a forward-looking and a rescue-oriented vision.

In response to a question, the source asserted that the presidential process, from candidacy to consensus, has not yet been concluded, and things are still in their early stages, although the period between the holidays will be crucial in terms of both domestic and international consultations.