Kataeb Party leader’s adviser, Sassine Sassine, on Friday, rejected attempts aiming at establishing new norms in the presidential election process, deploring the obstacles being deliberately set to obstruct the vote.

"We are always hindered by practices that contradict constitutional institutions, specifically by establishing a new custom that sets a formal dialogue at the Parliament as a precondition for the presidential elections; that is something which we reject,” Sassine said in an interview on Al-Jadeed TV.  

“Electing a president is the responsibility of the parliament, and lawmakers are required, as per the Constitution, to attend consecutive sessions and not leave until a president is elected," he noted, adding that the problem lies in the parliament being closed and only opening for ceremonial purposes rather than constitutional ones.

Regarding the recent meeting between Kataeb MPs Selim Sayegh and Nadim Gemayel with Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain Al-Tineh, Sassine noted that the party decided to seek clarifications regarding the latter’s call for consultations directly from him, affirming that the Kataeb’s stance remains unchanged even after this meeting.

"During our visit to Berri, we expressed our stance that, while we have no objection to consultations, we reject formalizing and institutionalizing dialogue before the presidential election. We still hold onto our position as before the visit. We support consultations, but reject formalized dialogue sessions.”

Sassine emphasized that the Kataeb party is seeking to obstruct the presidential election, stressing that it is rather staunchly committed to the Constitution which does not stipulate dialogue as a prerequisite for the vote.

"Linking the presidential election to dialogue is a major constitutional violation,” Sassine noted.

"As long as Speaker Berri has retracted his call for dialogue and called for consultations instead, let’s proceed with non-formal consultations. Let him schedule a session for electing a president, where consultations can take place spontaneously at the Parliament right before holding the vote.”

Sassine pointed out that the meetings currently held between different political forces will unlikely yield results as long as decisions in Lebanon are made unilaterally and outside the framework of the constitutional institutions.

"They do not want a president because they want agreements to be made while Lebanon is occupied and its institutions powerless. Why would those in control hand over authority to institutions that would take the decision-making power from them?"

"Hezbollah and its allies will not risk electing a president who is not aligned with their stance, fearing he might not fully support their position in the negotiations that may follow the war."

Sassine warned that dominance, unilateral decision-making, and the stubborn attachment to illegitimate arms would lead to rift and separation.

"We support a unified Lebanon; Lebanon first. The obstinate faction that holds power must come down from their ivory towers and join the Lebanese people in building the country."

"The faction forcing us into unwanted wars, preventing the election of a president, and establishing institutions through force of arms must engage with us, as equal Lebanese citizens in rights and duties, to build the State together. If they want us to be submissive and second-class citizens, we will not allow it."

"We are against division and are constantly fighting it, believing in a unified Lebanon. When MP Samy Gemayel said 'they are not like us,' he meant their way of managing the country’s affairs. Gemayel respects all components of the Lebanese people without differentiating between Christians and Muslims."

Sassine reiterated the Kataeb leader's call for the four major Christian leaders to step outside the presidential race in order to facilitate the election process, stressing that a true leader sacrifices for the country rather than leaving it in a state of void.

“A leader is someone who seeks solutions to crises, not the one who becomes the crisis himself,” he said, adding that the Marade chief Sleiman Frangieh did not present himself as a neutral candidate but as part of a faction, and, thus, it is the right of other parties to reject him.

“On a personal level, we have no issue with him, but his positions do not serve Lebanon's interests.”

Sassine affirmed that the Kataeb will abide by the Constitution regardless of the presidential election outcome, renewing the party’s unwavering commitment to its opposition role.

“Opposition is a legitimate right in the political system; a right that is fundamental to democratic regimes. We have practiced it transparently and fully, rejecting any connection to governments we opposed and will continue to reject anything unconstitutional."

Sassine said that the opposition will not consider an alternative candidate other than former Minister Jihad Azour since the other side has dismissed all calls to move away from Frangieh and to look into other candidatures.

“Unfortunately, they have remained obstinate, inviting us to hold a dialogue aimed solely at discussing Frangieh’s candidacy. This is not dialogue. We are ready and open to any genuine and sincere intent to consider a third candidate."