SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 11 December 2024, Wednesday |

Intro to SBI news bulletin: Are parliamentary elections in Lebanon at risk?

Are parliamentary elections in Lebanon at risk? Will the ruling system obstruct its implementation in some way? A while ago, even asking these two questions was a sin. All the pillars of the system were claiming that they wanted the elections on time, no matter what! Today the speech has changed, but the system’s performance concerning the elections have changed.

The clear evidence of this, is that a decision was taken, and we do not know at what level and by whom it was taken, to reintroduce MegaCenter in the Council of Ministers. The issue is not an exaggeration or an understatement. Rather, the Minister of Interior, Bassam Mawlawi, spoke about it clearly. It is more likely that the Megacentre will be approved by the Council of Ministers, which means that the project will be referred to the House of Representatives. Here lies the main problem, as the dispute will intensify between those who approve the project and those who oppose it, what may lead to postponing the elections. Of course, some may consider this scenario unrealistic, but in fact it has become more than likely, especially after the system felt that all factors are against its interests in these elections.

Public opinion wants change, and it has lost confidence in the system and its performance. And the project of the pillars of the authority appeared to fail and led to disasters, locally and external levels. Moreover, betting on frustration in the Sunni street after Saad Hariri suspended his political activity was not appropriate. Therefore, the system is fully aware that it is on the verge of a catastrophic failure in the elections and that a resounding loss awaits it. Accordingly, the popular confrontation is necessary facing any infernal scheme to postpone the elections.

    Source:
  • Sawt Beirut International