March 14 Unveils Zahleh Ticket
March 14 Forces on Sunday announced its ticket and electoral platform in the Zahleh district with contender MP Nicholas Fattoush describing the polls as "fateful" to Lebanon”s future.
In addition to Fattoush, the list includes: Elie Marouni, Antoine Abu Khater, MP Assem Araji, Aquab Saqr, Joseph Saab al-Maalouf and Shante Janjanian.
Announcing the list, Fattoush said voters in Zahleh will "have a great impact on the fate and future of Lebanon."
"These elections are not ordinary. They are not elections of asphalts, public works, or development as they claim. These elections are momentous and fateful for the country," he said.
"We have always and will always call for Lebanon first, Lebanon first, Lebanon first. No to the third republic," Fattoush said.
He advised voters to choose representatives who have proved their "loyalty" for Lebanon and who believe in the principles of "coexistence and dialogue."
He said a "healthy" democratic system is one that allows for accountability.
"You must hold your representatives accountable and question them over the pledges they made during their electoral campaigns," he added.
He also said that Lebanon cannot survive without an independent judiciary.
Addressing political rivals, Fattoush said they must understand that "actions speak louder than words."
"We are ones to keep our promises. Our parliamentary history shows that we are ones to transform words into actions," he promised.
He then told the voters that June 7 is their chance to hold "accountable and punish" those who "deceived them" during the 2005 polls.
"Time proved them wrong," Fattoush said of his opponents.
The Zahleh alliance includes the Phalange party, al-Mustaqbal movement, the Lebanese Forces, the Public Zahleh Gathering, the National Liberal Party, the Progressive Socialist Party and the Democratic Gathering.