The debate in the Lebanon’s assembly to elect the President has heated up between the US backed Fouad Siniora’s Govt. and the rival faction backed by Syria and Iran. The presidential election is never a home affair but something thrust upon them. Meanwhile, the Presidential election has been deferred by the Govt. for the next month.
Both sides - US and Syria-Iran backed - are orchestrating to secure power. However, the job for the next president is going to be a tough one as the UN is determined to investigate the murder of former PM, Rafiq Hariri, by setting the international tribunal.
Lebanon’s stake in the presidential election is nil and secondary, rather it’s a race for the supremacy between US and Iran-Syria groups to run the country by besetting their favoring Govt. The setting up of the Tribunal will also depend on the person whosoever occupies the post.
However, amid such rift while the stakes for the presidency are high, the hopes for the peaceful election linger because the essential two-third majority is blocked by the opposition.
On the other hand, postponing the election won’t even go in favor of electing the president with consensus — But, how? If the parliament failed to elect the President, Fouad Siniora’s Cabinet will take over the executive powers and that will be a golden opportunity for the ruling party to force its choice while at the same time nullifying the possibility of consensus.
In case the Syrian backed present President, Emile Lahoud, appoints an alternative Govt. - as the opposition is demanding - will result in the continuous brawls between the two rival governments paving the way for a civil war reminiscing the one from 1975 to 1980.
Lebanon always vacillated between the feudalism and democracy. And as of now, it’s too difficult a thing that consensus will be reached on the Presidential candidature. It will require nod from Syria and Iran on one side and US on the other. Does Lebanon has the one who will get yes form all sides?
Frankly speaking, there’s none. Then, why not let the people have their say and elect the president of their own choice while discarding the old political system or taking dictations from out side.
However, is it possible until and unless there remains the strong Western and neighboring influence? Will Lebanon ever shed these shackles off?
The need of the hour is to elect the President with consensus failing which there are rare hopes to get out of a political quagmire.
