President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, visited the Grand Mufti of the Republic, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, at Dar Al-Fatwa. He was accompanied by diplomatic adviser and former Ambassador Dr. Bassam Noumani and the Director General of the Makhzoumi Foundation, Samer Al-Safah. They discussed the affairs of Dar Al-Fatwa and the general situation in the country.
Following the meeting, Makhzoumi said that the purpose of his visit to His Eminence was to discuss the latest developments in the country.
He added: “We have participated in 11 sessions to elect a president of the republic, and we had a serious candidate, our colleague Michel Moawad. In all these sessions, the other side cast blank ballots and prevented the second-round session from reaching a quorum.”
He noted that Parliament had been shut down for five months under the pretext of “democracy practiced on demand,” meaning that the other side would not participate in presidential election sessions unless it could secure 65 votes for its candidate.
Makhzoumi pointed out that opposition forces had succeeded in demonstrating that these practices were undemocratic. He noted that these forces, together with other groups, including the Free Patriotic Movement and the Democratic Gathering, had agreed to nominate Jihad Azour.
He said they would call for MPs to convene at Parliament on the 14th of the month to vote for a president, adding that all political forces should congratulate whoever manages to secure the highest number of votes.
He expected the previous scenario to be repeated, since the other side did not have the 65 votes it claimed to possess. He considered casting blank ballots a means of obstructing the election and urged undecided MPs not to cast blank ballots, so that the other side could not exploit them to its advantage.
Makhzoumi stressed the need to assume responsibility, noting that the country was at a crossroads and that efforts must be made to manage the crisis, build a nation, and implement reforms that would secure a future for their children. He called on all MPs to attend the June 14 session and vote for their preferred candidate.
Makhzoumi also discussed with His Eminence the situation of Islamic institutions, which are facing numerous difficulties. He noted that he was working to secure solar energy for the Islamic Orphanage Association to save tens of thousands of dollars each month.
He said he was seriously considering establishing a fund, managed by the Makhzoumi Foundation, to help people cover medical and educational expenses at Makassed institutions. He stressed the importance of supporting these institutions during this difficult period.
He called on everyone to cooperate in helping the country recover, noting that during his visits to Western capitals, he had sensed a willingness from the international community to help Lebanon. However, he stressed that no one would be able to help unless the Lebanese helped themselves and demonstrated a genuine commitment to implementing the necessary reforms.
In response to a question, Makhzoumi urged Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri to exercise his constitutional responsibilities and insist on implementing Articles 73, 74, and 75 of the Constitution, which stipulate that parliamentary sessions must remain open until a president of the republic is elected.