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Lebanon at crossroads

OMAR Karameh’s resignation as Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister on Wednesday highlights the uncertain future facing the Mediterranean country. Karameh had to finally bow out after his repeated and desperate attempts to form a national unity government before the elections in May.

However, now it is uncertain if Lebanon can keep its appointed date with democracy on May 31. The term of current National Assembly (parliament) ends on May 31 and unless a caretaker government is formed to oversee the elections, the country could plunge into a constitutional crisis. Given the current political instability in Lebanon, that’s the last thing Lebanese people would want. If Lebanon has to avoid a repeat of the chaotic instability of 70’s and 80’s, the country’s politicians must sink their differences and work out a common programme to get Lebanon out of the current deadlock.

Elections must be held as scheduled. However, for that to happen, all parties regardless of their political posturing must join hands to form a coalition to run the country’s affairs until polls are held and power is passed on to an elected government. The current political vacuum is unhealthy and most dangerous. Lebanon’s enemies could yet again exploit the space created by the absence of a government.