FPM elections postponed for technical reasons

 

A source close to FPM leader MP Michel Aoun told Al-Hayat daily that the postponement of the FPM’s internal elections from May 4 to October 26 was due to logistical and technical issues, and denied any political reasons behind the decision.

 

Al-Hayat quoted a well-informed source as saying that the reason behind Aoun’s decision to postpone the elections is that a major faction within the FPM felt that Aoun is supporting his son-in-law, Gebran Bassil, to be his deputy, thus expanding his authorities.

 

The source said that FPM officials are not objecting to expanding Bassil’s authorities, but favor an organizational formula that would prevent one person from having too much power.

 

“Those officials informed Aoun of their opinion and suggested that former Major General and FPM Official Issam Abu Jamra be named as Aoun’s deputy,” the source said, reminding that the same objection was made against the ascent of FPM General Coordinator Pierre Raffoul.