The following statement was issued by MPs Firas Hamdan, Ibrahim Mneimneh, and Yassine Yassine:
Lebanon stands today at a foundational moment, placing a historic responsibility on the shoulders of the nation’s MPs—one that leaves no room for the maneuvers of a decayed and corrupt political system. This moment is made even more critical as the presidential elections take place amid regional and international political transformations that are reshaping the future of countries and peoples in the region.
Lebanon has barely emerged from a devastating war that killed and displaced its people and destroyed significant and cherished parts of the country. The Lebanese people expect their elected representatives to deliver a qualitative leap forward, breaking away from the outdated logic of governance and administration.
From the start of the presidential election process, we, as MPs, have emphasized the need for a sovereign, reform-oriented, and inclusive president. Today, we reaffirm Lebanon's urgent need for a president who is sovereign, reform-minded, and capable of lifting the country from the rubble of war and the depths of an unprecedented economic and financial crisis. This challenging mission cannot succeed without popular trust and the support of Lebanon’s friends in both the Arab and international communities.
Accordingly, we believe that the candidate Lebanon needs today is Army Commander General Joseph Aoun.
We know General Aoun by his actions. He is recognized for his strict commitment to his institutional mandate as Army Commander and his refusal to involve the army in the labyrinth of Lebanese politics. He has successfully managed Lebanon’s most unifying institution, the Lebanese Army, during some of the most difficult periods the country has faced since the civil war.
The nomination of General Aoun draws its legitimacy from clear popular support, institutional momentum from within, and broad international acceptance.
Respect for the provisions of the constitution has always been and remains a top priority for us. Based on this firm foundation, efforts must be made to secure the widest possible base of votes for electing the Army Commander, surpassing the two-thirds majority of Parliament. Priority must be given to electing a president with a strong and significant majority to facilitate his mission in the next phase and to launch the process of reform and recovery.
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