Kataeb MP Elias Hankach on Thursday said that making dialogue a prerequisite for electing a president in Lebanon is an unconstitutional heresy, adding that any form of consultations would be futile if it does not lead to the election of a head of state.

“It is natural for Lebanese to talk to each other in the face of imminent danger, but making dialogue a prerequisite for electing a president is an unconstitutional heresy. However, there is no objection to consultations between parties, provided they lead to an open session until a president is elected,” Hankach said in an interview on New TV.

"The Constitution does not oblige MPs to engage in dialogue to elect a president, and we are ready to consider another candidate, provided that he meets the appropriate criteria,” he added. “It is not those who abstain from taking part in a dialogue session who are obstructing the electoral process, but rather those who keep disrupting quorum, do not call for an electoral session, cast blank ballots, and refuse to consider any candidate other than theirs.”

“Political leaders must act responsibly given the current critical situation that the country is going through.”  

Hankach noted that Hezbollah does not want a president to be elected soon as this would disrupt its dominance over decisions of war in peace in Lebanon, saying that all available means should be put in action so that a new president gets elected swiftly.

“In these dire circumstances, it is a national duty for everyone to go to parliament and elect a president."

"We know that no single party can impose its candidate on the others, which is why the opposition moved from supporting MP Michel Moawad to backing former Minister Jihad Azour in coordination with the Free Patriotic Movement. This shows that he is not merely the opposition's candidate. Today, we are ready to consider a third option, provided the candidate is capable of addressing Lebanon's challenges."

Hankach revealed that the opposition is preparing a plan to present to all parties as a roadmap for the future, urging all local factions to finally realize that nothing can be imposed by force or or in an unconstitutional manner.

“We must act wisely to elect a president who reassures the Lebanese, is equidistant from all factions, takes tough economic measures, reintegrates Lebanon into its regional environment, and ends its isolation.”

“We must continue to confront whatever drags Lebanon into unpredictable adventures, especially since the country cannot withstand more strain,” Hankach affirmed.

Regarding Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel’s absence in the meeting that was held earlier this week in Bkirki in the presence of Vatican State Secretary, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Hankach described the Kataeb’s relation with the Maronite Patriarchate as “sacred”, noting that Gemayel is subject to strict security measures that prevent him from attending meetings in person.

"We have never boycotted the Maronite Patriarchate, neither today nor in the past, nor will we in the future. I hope that the issue of MP Samy Gemayel not attending the lunch is not blown out of proportion."