Beirut: Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel has issued a call for robust security assurances ahead of Lebanon's impending parliamentary elections, emphasizing that free and fair voting cannot be guaranteed in areas under Hezbollah's armed influence. "How can the State guarantee free elections in regions controlled by Hezbollah while weapons are still present there?" Gemayel questioned during an interview on T©l© Liban.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Gemayel insisted that the army commander, the defense minister, and the president should provide explicit assurances that both voters and candidates can participate without facing intimidation. He advocated for the State's exclusive control over weapons before the elections or, at the least, a comprehensive army deployment across all Lebanese territories to ensure citizens' security and allow candidates to campaign without constraints.
Gemayel criticized the current electoral process management, expressing concerns over the government's call for voters without clarifying the legal framework. He accused the Amal-Hezbollah alliance of attempting to conduct elections without genuine participation from the Lebanese diaspora, highlighting the ambiguity surrounding expatriates' voting rights as potentially leading to an untenable situation or even cancellation of the vote.
Beyond election-related issues, Gemayel criticized Hezbollah's political and military actions, asserting that the group's decisions remain heavily influenced by Iran. He advocated for the Lebanese government's exclusive right to determine national strategy, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and strong international relations over armed resistance.
In domestic politics, Gemayel reiterated his support for President Joseph Aoun, considering the presidency as a symbol of national institutions. He expressed cautious optimism about the current government but stressed the need for reforms to move more swiftly, especially concerning judicial independence and action against corruption.
Gemayel also addressed recent threats against his party, urging the government to ensure that weapons remain solely with the Lebanese Army and to eliminate political violence. He discussed ongoing electoral alliance talks, with a focus on reaching an agreement with the Lebanese Forces.
Economically, Gemayel defended his party's stance against the State budget, citing its late presentation and significant flaws. He pledged to continue advocating for depositors' rights and called for comprehensive audits and reforms in public institutions to address Lebanon's economic challenges.
On Syria's new leadership, Gemayel emphasized the importance of respecting Lebanon's sovereignty. He concluded with a hopeful outlook for Lebanon's future, expressing a desire for 2026 to mark a turning point for the nation.