2009 Elections Will Be Different Than 2005
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea told NOW Lebanon on Monday that he and Amin Gemayel’s Kataeb had agreed on most of the details of the 2009 parliamentary elections, accepting “the conditions of the electoral battle.” However, Geagea conceded that there were “real challenges” in several regions which necessitated “serious preparations” for the electoral battle, including a detailed study of the electoral lists that would lead March 14 to victory. As “electoral shocks” that would alter voters’ choices were unlikely, he said, it was now beneficial to work at the level of undecided voters.
The LF leader said the March 14 alliance would run its candidates on united electoral lists in all districts, including those in which the March 8 coalition had “traditional electoral power,” such as in Baalbek, Hermel, Marjeyoun and Hasbaya.
Geagea confirmed the March 14 alliance continued to discuss their electoral lists and said that, while the pro-government forces may conclude the talks by March 14, 2009, the lists may not be announced by that date.
The undecided 25% of voters, Geagea told NOW, would determine the outcome of the elections in the Kesrouan district. The LF and its allies, he added, would win most districts in contest, especially in Mount Lebanon, where he said the situation of the March 8 alliance had deteriorated.
Geagea said his alliance had almost found consensus around the Chouf, but the Baabda, Aley, Akkar, Zahle and West Bekaa districts remained problematic.
On the recent targeting of the Maronite Church, Geagea said, “This happened after the great bitterness endured by Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir … He was targeted personally, and certain known media organizations targeted the church and its role.”
And on the role of the Church in the coming parliamentary elections, Geagea said, “The Church aspires to play a role in these elections, and it does not seek to influence votes.”
“On the ground, we feel a significant decline in the popularity of March 8 alliance among Christians,” he said.
Asked about widespread fears of security breaches and escalating tension, especially in Christian areas, as the election date approached, Geagea cited his concern that there were parties in the Koura district that did not “acknowledge that the era of Syrian influence” had ended.
He also commented on the last week’s clashes between the LF and Marada in North Lebanon and the bombing of LF offices in Kesrouan and the Metn last month. Geagea said the Free Patriotic Movement had called the Lebanese Forces to condemn the office bombings, a move he described as “good and effective.”