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Lebanese Parliament fails to elect new president

BEIRUT, April 23 (KUNA) -- The Lebanese Parliament failed at a session on Wednesday to elect a new president to lead the republic, it was officially announced.
House Speaker Nabih Berri said in a statement the March 14 movement candidate, Samir Geagea, garnered only 48 votes of the present 124 MPs. His contender, Henri Helo, was given 16 votes, former president Amin Gemayal was backed by a single legislator. Up to 52 others gave blank votes.
Up to 124 MPs of the 128-seat house were present at the previously scheduled session to elect a new president.
A total of 65 votes are needed for a candidate to win the top post.
Berri declared that another session would be held next Wednesday for a new bid to choose a new president. (end) oh.rk