BEIRUT: The fate of the Lebanese government was hanging in the balance Friday after ministers failed to pass extending the mandate of the country’s police chief as well as the divisive issue of the formation of an elections committee to supervise the upcoming polls.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who left Baabda Palace following the meeting, had been expected to make an announcement at 7.30 p.m. at the Grand Serail in the Lebanese capital stating his position.

A senior political source earlier told The Daily Star that there was a major possibility that Mikati would tender his resignation.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Cabinet session at 4 p.m., Mikati said the proceedings of the day’s meeting would determine his decision on whether to resign.

“My position will be determined in light of the course of the session,” he said.

Cabinet sessions were suspended after President Michel Sleiman said he could not envisage a government meeting or an agenda that did not include the subject of the formation of the elections committee to supervise the June 9 parliamentary elections.

“For these reasons, I declare the session suspended, and call on the interior minister to launch discussions with the prime minister to put forward new names [for the committee] at the soonest possible time,” acting Information Minister Wael Abu Four quoted Sleiman as telling ministers.

More to follow ...