Democratic Gathering leader MP Walid Jumblatt reconfirmed earlier statements that the ruling majority will elect a president by a simple majority if no consensus was reached on a presidential candidate. He warned against what he said electing a "Syrian president" who would torpedo international resolutions and the international tribunal.He said the pro-government March 14 coalition would attend a Nov. 12 parliamentary session set to elect a new head of state even if a president was not chosen.
Jumblatt, did not rule out the possibility of electing a president between Nov. 14 and Nov. 24. He hailed Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, saying electing a president from March 14 ranks would set the stage for proceeding with Lebanon's independence.
Lebanese Forces leader Dr. Samir Geagea echoed the same thinking today after meeting with Sfeir. He said " the majority prefers a consensus president if all parties agree , but in the event there is no agreement then a president from the March 14 majority alliance will be elected with a simple majority as is the common practice in all democracies.