All attempts to bring the Secretary General of the Nasserite Popular Organization, MP Oussama Saad, back into the ranks of the “axis of resistance” failed, as Saad categorically refused to run in the 2022 legislative elections on the list supported by Hezbollah and alongside a Sunni personality from Saida affiliated with the pro-Iranian group. Moreover, he distanced himself from Hezbollah by standing for election with Nazih Bizri.
Hezbollah has not forgiven him for this setback and seems intent on making him pay dearly, politically. Hezbollah-backed MP Melhem Hojeiri (Sunni) obtained the Interior Ministry’s approval to found the Victory Movement, which he aimed to launch from Saida, in an attempt to wrest some of his supporters away from Saad.
Hezbollah officials did not attend the launch conference, which apparently failed. According to Sidonian circles, the pro-Iranian formation decided to stop endorsing Hojeiri’s movement when it realized it was unlikely to achieve its objective. Above all, Hojeiri’s move led to a resurgence in Saad’s popularity.
Sunni sources point out that Hezbollah is trying to promote Sunni personalities in Tripoli, Beirut and Saida, so far without success.
