Following the bloc’s weekly meeting, former Minister Salim Jreissati stated that the bloc denounced the condemnations voiced after MP Aoun’s initiative was announced, emphasizing that the bloc will not accept an alternative to the proposal.
“Lebanese factions who believe that MP Aoun’s initiative is a political maneuver are mistaken,” said Jreissati, adding that it complies with the 1989 Taef Accord.
In this regard, former Minister Jreissati said MP Aoun’s initiative is a reflection of the Taef Accord and helps preserve its articles.
On Monday the 30th of June, Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun suggested that the Lebanese constitution be amended, allowing the people to directly elect their president over two rounds.
Aoun suggested that Christians would vote in the first round, with the top two candidates then facing a vote by all of the Lebanese public.
Lebanon officially entered presidential vacuum on May 25 after the six-year term of former President Michel Sleiman expired.
Lawmakers have repeatedly failed to choose a successor to the head of state. The impasse highlights the stark political divisions in the country.