Head of Independence Movement urges political parties to secure quorum for presidential poll

Head of the Independence Movement Michel Moawad discussed the latest local and regional developments with Prime Minister Tamam Salam during a meeting at the Grand Serail in Beirut.

Moawad urged all political parties to secure the quorum for the presidential poll, warning that Parliament’s failure to elect a new president would invite foreign meddling in Lebanese affairs.

“The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the latest development in general and particularly highlight the importance of electing a new president. Prime Minister Salam stressed that his government should not be regarded as a substitute,” Moawad said following the meeting.

“Regardless of who will be elected president, lawmakers should attend the session to elect a new head of state,” he added.

Moawad warned lawmakers against boycotting the presidential poll, saying the failure to elect a president would see foreign powers impose a compromise candidate or weak head of state at best.

The head of the Independence Movement also condemned attempts to stir memories of the civil war during the first parliamentary session to elect a president when some lawmakers cast ballots that included the names of assassinated figures during the 15-year conflict.

“The presidential poll is definitely not an occasion to recall the names of martyrs in an arbitrary way. As a young politician and the son of a martyr, I urge lawmakers to stop insulting the Lebanese people,” Moawad said.