A decision by Lebanon’s leading politician to step back from politics and boycott a parliamentary election in May must not be used as an excuse to call for a delay, the Maronite Christian patriarch said. Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al Rai said he was surprised by three times-former prime minister Saad al Hariri’s decision and said he hoped they would still take part so the election “expresses the position of all Lebanese”.
Hariri’s decision has turned the electoral landscape on its head, adding to the uncertainties facing a country suffering a devastating financial meltdown .Given the importance of this parliamentary (election), we must all confront attempts to circumvent it,” Rai said, noting the new parliament would elect President Michel Aoun’s replacement.
Referring to Hariri’s decision, he said “it is not allowed for some to invoke the new reality and promote the postponement of the parliamentary elections”. He did not say to whom he was referring. Lebanon’s 2018 election produced a majority for the heavily armed Hizbullah and its allies, who include Aoun. – Reuters
