Lebanon faces a grave political crisis

Lebanon's presidential vote saga has become embarrassing. The country has been without a president since November 23 when the term of Emile Lahoud expired.

Today's scheduled vote is all set to be postponed again, for the eighth time, underlining the deep division among the main factions and the irresponsible behaviour of some politicians who seek small political gains at the expense of the country's stability, politically and economically. The crisis is being described as Lebanon's worst political crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.

The ruling majority, backed by the West, and its opponents, led by Hezbollah, agreed last week on General Michel Sulaiman as a consensus candidate for the presidency. But differences over how to amend an article in the constitution that bans a serving public servant from running for office have delayed Sulaiman's confirmation.

Now, it emerged that even if such agreement was reached, it will not ensure the vote will take place. Rival camps have already begun bickering over shares in the new Cabinet and key government posts.

This will certainly derail all efforts, led by Speaker Nabih Berri and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, to reach a deal. Both have warned that stalling could further destabilise Lebanon, which has been in political deadlock for more than a year.

In May, a terrorist group, affiliated with Al Qaida, saw the political vacuum to make a refugee camp in the north its base. The army lost at least 200 soldiers before it managed to reclaim the camp after four months. Other groups have attacked UN forces in the south and continue to threaten more attacks.

The country is in danger of spinning out of control if its politicians do not rise up to the challenge and "sacrifice" their little gains for the sake of the national interest.