Lebanon is already two days without a president after Emile Lahoud ended his third term in office at midnight Friday. The coalition and opposition have so far been unable to reach an agreement regarding Lahoud’s replacement.
Upon leaving office, Lahoud stated that the existing conditions in the country "could lead to a state of emergency," and he was therefore transferring his security responsibilities to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the Lebanese Daily Star reported. Lahoud’s further claimed that the present government was unconstitutional and therefore incapable of assuming power in "a safe and constitutional manner."
Shortly thereafter Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora issued a statement declaring Lahoud’s move as unconstitutional.
"[Lahoud] aims to deceive citizens into believing that the whole country is under intense danger, whereas the situation is secure and the army is maintaining security in the country," the statement read.
In an attempt to calm the atmosphere, Education Minister Khalid Qabbani said LAF’s commander, Gen. Michel Suleiman, had been in contact with Siniora and had assured him the army would follow the directives of the current cabinet.
Meanwhile, coalition members of parliament warned they retained the constitutional right to elect a president by simple majority. Majority leader Sa’ad Al-Hariri said a consensus remained possible, although electing a president with a simple majority was still a legitimate possibility.
Opposition leaders warned that if the coalition chose to elect a president without their consent, they would retaliate.