(France 24) - Lawmakers from the ruling coalition and the Hezbollah-led opposition have until November 24 to pick a candidate to succeed the current pro-Syrian head of state Emile Lahoud.
Lebanon delayed its presidential election by nearly three weeks to Nov. 12 on Monday to allow
more time for rival pro- and anti-Syrian groups to agree on a compromise candidate.
The Lebanese parliament had been scheduled to meet on Tuesday to choose a successor to pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud, whose term expires on Nov. 23.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said in a statement he was postponing the vote "to allow for more consultations that would lead to consensus on electing a president who would symbolise the unity and resilience of the country".
It is the second postponement in electing a president, a step seen as vital to resolving a one-year-old crisis pitting the anti-Syrian ruling majority against the opposition, led by pro-Syrian Hezbollah.
Political sources said the delay was a positive signal that the two sides were still hopeful of reaching a compromise to ensure a smooth transition.
"We wish that by that time (Nov. 12), we are able to progress towards holding this constitutional election," Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said.
There are fears that if no president is elected before Lahoud's term expires, Lebanon would end up with two rival governments and bloodshed. The political crisis is the worst since the 1975-1990 civil war.
Opposition MPs boycotted parliament on Sept. 25 to prevent a two-thirds quorum and thwart anti-Syrian factions, which have a slim majority, from electing a new head of state.
Siniora's backers, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, want to replace Lahoud with one of their own.
Hezbollah and its allies in the opposition want to deny the presidency to their rivals, whom they regard as puppets of the United States.