OPINION

Lebanon: A Dispute Over Sizes

Walid Choucair  ,  Al-Hayat , May 20 2005

It is natural for the Lebanese to disagree over the size and magnitude of the different factions' alliances, which are subject to negotiations in light of the upcoming parliamentary elections (scheduled on May 29th) . The previous stage, not to say the previous decades, distorted weights and sizes, positively and negatively, which was reflected in marginalizing some forces, while empowering others.

If external interference has always been the reason for such distortions, it has caused reactions and political confrontations that played a role in extending the Lebanese war, over and above the external factors that rained arms and weapons down on the Lebanese.

Candidates declare for Lebanon election

By UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL , May 21, 2005

Related article : Two more seats clinched days before Lebanon poll

BEIRUT, Lebanon -- Lebanon's Interior Ministry says 51 candidates will be competing to win 21 seats representing south Lebanon in the 128-member Lebanese parliament.

The Saturday announcement was made after the midnight deadline for candidates to submit their applications.

Two candidates, notably Bahiya Hariri, the sister of slain former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and Osama Saad, a member of the Popular Nasserite Party, were uncontested, leaving 21 seats for competition.

So far, 11 candidates have won uncontested seats, including nine representing Beirut and figuring on the electoral list of Saad Hariri, the son of the slain premier.

Two more seats clinched days before Lebanon poll

Source : reuters

BEIRUT- The sister of Lebanon