LF’s Geagea calls on ‘boycotting MPs’ to attend legislative sessions

Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea called Tuesday on deputies who have been boycotting presidential elections to head tomorrow (Wednesday) to parliament and exercise their duties towards the Lebanese citizens.

“Dragging Lebanon towards constitutional vacuum contradicts with the power granted to you by the people,” Geagea said in an open letter to boycotting lawmakers.

"Imposing a political stalemate on legislative sessions is unconstitutional...deputies do not have the right to place their personal interests above the nation," he lamented.

Geagea comments were made in reference to the initiative launched by Change and Reform Bloc leader MP Michel Aoun, which calls for allowing the people to elect a new head of state over 2 rounds as opposed to parliament.

Former President Michel Sleiman's term ended in May, creating vacuum in the country's top position.

The Lebanese Parliament failed to elect a new president due to disputes between the March 8 and 14 camps.

Most of the March 8 alliance's MPs boycotted rounds of elections over their call for an agreement on a consensual president and their rejection to the candidacy of Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea.

The eighth presidential elections session is scheduled for Wednesday, but it is expected to meet the same fate as its predecessors.