Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai called on Sunday the Lebanese people to vote in masses, pointing out that it is the duty of every Lebanese citizen to take advantage of their constitutional entitlement, by which they can show the world which Lebanon they want.
During a festive mass in Harissa, al-Rai considered that "the plans for recovery and reform projects remain useless amidst an atmosphere dominated by overwhelming hatred," adding that the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections would have little to no positive impact, unless accompanied by a spirit of harmony and love."
He considered that "our people are sinking deeper and deeper into poverty and hunger," stressing that the Tripoli tragedy should not be a fleeting event, and we should not allow anyone to turn the page on this calamity the same way they are trying to do with the Beirut Blast and the Tleil explosion, calling on the state to conduct a transparent investigation.
Al-Rai went on to ask: "What issue or crisis is resolved by holding grudges? The danger is that grudges are passed on from leaders to blind masses."