Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon announced on Monday that he would not run for re-election in the May 15 parliamentary elections.
“I believe that change is inevitable and that the upcoming parliamentary elections are an opportunity for the younger generation to have their say.” Najib Mikati announced in a televised address.
While announcing that he would not be running for office, Mikati urged everyone in Lebanon to vote to ensure a large turnout.
Mikati’s decision follows an announcement by former Lebanese prime minister Saad al-Hariri, who announced in January that he had “suspended” his participation in Lebanese politics.
The three-time prime minister announced in a live press conference that he would not be running in the upcoming parliamentary elections and that his political party, the Future Movement, would not be fielding any candidates.
