Head of Marada Party Sleiman Frangieh, MP Neemat Frem and former Minister Ziyad Baroud have each announced on Wednesday that they are withdrawing their candidacy for Thursday's presidential election, in favor of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun.
Frangieh, whose candidature for president was supported by the Shiite duo – Amal and Hezbollah – for two long years, announced on Wednesday afternoon his withdrawal.
“Now that the conditions have matured to elect a President of the Republic tomorrow, and in light of what has turned out, I announce the withdrawal of my candidacy, which was never an obstacle to the election process,” Frangieh said in a communique.
He added: “I thank everyone who voted for me, as — in line with what I had announced in previous positions — I support (Army Commander) General Joseph Aoun, who has the qualifications to preserve the top position of the presidency. I wish Parliament success in the election process, and for the country to pass this stage with unity, awareness and responsibility.”
Frem Backs Aoun
MP Neemat Frem also declared his support for General Joseph Aoun a couple of hours later.
Speaking to Voice of Lebanon from the Kataeb headquarters, Frem stated: “Despite my official candidacy for the presidency, I will support and endorse the candidacy of General Joseph Aoun.”
“If the required consensus is achieved, I will be among the first to welcome and congratulate it,” he added.
“However, if he cannot be elected, I will continue my electoral campaign based on the ‘Nation of the Human Project’ program,” he stressed.
Baroud Steps Aside for Consensus
Former Minister and lawyer Ziyad Baroud similarly announced his withdrawal from the race, citing the emergence of a broad national consensus.
In a statement, Baroud said: “I had announced yesterday that I would not take part in the competition if a broad national consensus was reached on the name of the president. While I sincerely thank the honorable members of parliament who honored me with their support, I hereby announce my withdrawal.”
“I pledge to the Lebanese people to remain one of those fighting for the Republic, and I wish the future president every success,” added M. Baroud.
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