Frem on the Parliamentary Elections: Between a Suspended Law and an Open Conflict “The New Lebanon Needs to Calm Things Down, Not Voting Amid Bloodshed on the Roads”

The Chairman of Project Watan’s Executive Board, MP Neemat Frem, stated that “parliamentary elections in Lebanon are a national demand, and it is only natural that they take place during the new term, according to constitutional deadlines and in line with the path to restoring the regular functioning of constitutional life. However, the reality clearly shows serious obstacles that prevent holding elections under the current circumstances.”

In a statement, the lawmaker explained that “the law currently in force faces structural issues at its core, particularly regarding expatriate voting for six seats across all continents, as the implementing decrees are practically unavailable. In addition, the allocation of these seats and the mechanism for conducting the elections remain unclear. This effectively locks the file in the absence of a comprehensive and clear solution. On the other hand, there is another draft law that proposes allowing expatriates to vote for all 128 members of Parliament, yet this proposal has not been placed on the General Assembly’s agenda or decided upon. Therefore, we are practically and realistically facing two clear dilemmas: a law in force that cannot be implemented, and a law that is easy to implement but not yet in force.”

Frem continued: “Furthermore, holding elections under the current conditions – amid ongoing conflict and bloodshed on the streets – will not bring any fundamental or real change to the political landscape. A Parliament elected under such circumstances will not reflect meaningful shifts. The only certain outcome would be the formation of a new government, without any real guarantee that it will be better than the current one.”

“It is true that elections remain a cornerstone of any democratic system; however, they require clear conditions to serve as a genuine entry point for supporting a new Lebanon in this new phase and preventing regression. Rebuilding the State first and foremost requires a clear electoral law that is voted on by the General Assembly and is enforceable,” he emphasized. “Holding elections amid Israeli targeting, the warlike climate in Lebanon, and the falling of martyrs does not accurately reflect the true will of the people. It would produce a temporary picture that could turn into a mere reaction within the Shiite community, as no one will vote against the blood and sacrifices of martyrs. Therefore, it is crucial to hold elections, but only under conditions aligned with supporting the new Lebanon while avoiding setbacks.”

Frem stressed that “we are in a sensitive phase similar to what is happening in Ukraine, where elections could not be held because of war. Battles there maintained the status quo and kept President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in office, whereas the equation could change in a time of peace.”

“Although we have not yet reached a unified position as sovereign MPs on this matter,” he said, “field developments may force us to reprioritize, making the cessation of security and military bleeding, and the containment of weapons, a prerequisite for any political or electoral process. Without genuinely calming things down and halting attacks and bloodshed, a safe and representative environment for elections cannot be ensured. My personal position in this context is clear: I cannot envision elections while blood flows on the roads.”

Regarding the negotiation track, Frem said: “The plan presented by the President in his Independence Day speech – outlined in five points, which I call ‘Package A’ – includes provisions as seen by the Lebanese side and represents the desired scenario for Lebanon. The Israeli side may reject this package as it stands and require additional conditions before committing.”

He added: “Lebanon is moving according to the President’s plan, which enjoys preliminary consensus, but the key question remains: will the other side, Israel, accept these conditions? As the saying goes, wishing to marry is not enough – you also need the bride’s consent. Halting strikes or implementing the five points may only be achieved if, in return, the creation of a demilitarized zone in the south or an area allocated for economic investments is proposed. From this, a broader package – ‘Package B’ – may emerge, potentially including advanced truces or even peace agreements linked to broader economic and development paths, and possibly regional files such as the Abraham Accords. A concept for a demilitarized economic zone in the south could later be proposed, offering real investment opportunities and attracting international companies. This would open the door for deeper discussions on regional economic directions and Lebanon’s position on the regional investment map, just as US President Donald Trump frequently promoted.”

“Lebanon is fortunate to have a diplomat of Ambassador Simon Karam’s caliber, capable of managing these two stages and believed to be qualified for this delicate role,” he highlighted.

Frem concluded: “If the file is resolved within the framework of the five points, ‘Package A’ will have achieved its intended results. However, in my opinion, its chances of success are very low, as Israel is unlikely to accept it in its current form.”