A political showdown of epic proportions is looming between the pro-Syrian government and pro-sovereignty groups after the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) announced that it would be officially fielding a candidate for the upcoming bi-election for the vacant Aley-Baabda parliamentary seat. Engineer Hikmat Dib was chosen as the FPM's official candidate. The FPM as well as other groups and individuals who are opposed to Syrian hegemony had originally backed former Beirut Bar Association chairman Shakib Kurtbawi, but he suddenly pulled out of the election race. The bi-election has been set for the 14th September.
The decision of the FPM to field a candidate has been the source of much debate. While the FPM has boycotted the parliamentary elections in the past it seems that the strategy has changed and with very good reason. The boycotting of previous parliamentary elections was used to convey a message, as was evident in the elections of 92'and 96' where voter turnout was at an all time low. While the boycott strategy did bear fruit and results were produced, times have changed and this approach is no longer viable.
By declaring that they are running for the seat the FPM has given the people of the Aley-Baabda district an opportunity to elect their representative in parliament. The FPM is naturally opposed to a consensus candidate, and this was one of the major factors in the decision to participate in the elections. It was proposed that Henri el Helou, automatically fill the void left by his fathers death, a notion that was quickly dismissed by the FPM. The pro-Syrian government however, along with certain members of the "opposition" and even Syria itself agreed on having Henri el Helou slot in to take his late fathers seat. It must be remembered that the FPM is not contesting the election because of a personal rivalry with Henri el Helou or his family, but because it is against the notion of political inheritance and consensus candidates and also because Henri el Helou would be supporting a government that has failed Lebanon and its people miserably.
The holding of elections is of the utmost importance since it helps in promoting democracy and freedom something that has been almost wiped out under Syrian occupation. The upcoming elections couldn't have come at a better time, Syria is under unprecedented pressure to quit Lebanon and the international community would not take it lightly if Syria was seen as meddling in Lebanese affairs. Syria faces enough problems as it is and it is unlikely that they will risk adding to their woes by intervening in the ballot.
Furthermore, since Syria and its puppets in Lebanon are being watched very closely it is virtually impossible for them to employ foul play in these elections. In the last bi-election in the Metn district, Gabriel el Murr, who was heavily backed by the FPM, received over 34,000 votes, he won the election contest even though there were cases of vote rigging by the government, he eventually lost his seat due to an unconstitutional ruling and was replaced by a candidate who received 1,500 votes.
Opposition hesitation? As the FPM gears itself up for the David and Goliath battle, the impending elections have rocked the so-called "opposition" with groups and individuals perplexingly not yet decided on who they will support. It has been evident in certain circles in the "opposition" that some are not willing to take the extra step needed in the confrontation with Syria and its allies in Lebanon. The "opposition" must not fail with its duty to Lebanon and its people. Now is the time to take a stand and they must commit themselves to helping deliver a free and independent Lebanon.
While it would be a bonus to have full "opposition" support, the FPM will not shy away from the election battle if it doesn't have it. The choice has been made and the FPM will contest the elections alone if need be. It is time that Syria and its puppets are taught a lesson, and that is that the will of the people prevails in the end and their voice will not be silenced.