The power-sharing formula is likely to make Mr. de Klerk not only the opposition leader, but at least a Cabinet minister and probably one of two deputy vice presidents.

Article 117 of the Interim Constitution calls for the 450 members of the National Assembly to be appointed according to the following power-sharing formula:

Modern Lebanon was created in 1943 on the basis of an ethnic power-sharing formula that gave hegemony to the Christians, then in the majority.

Consultations began here today after Christian political and spiritual leaders warned that Lebanon's political order would collapse if Muslims force an ending to a power-sharing formula among the religions.

The power-sharing formula to be used in the election for the Assembly guarantees to Sinn Fein at least one position and probably two in the body's 10-member leadership.

But congressional leaders oppose his request to legislate a new power-sharing formula, leading Mr. Yeltsin to threaten unspecified "radical action" to resolve the crisis.

Structured under a power-sharing formula, the legislature was created by the accord negotiated over 26 months and concluded on Good Friday, April 10.

Dispute on National Covenant By doing so, Muslim leaders asserted, Mr. Gemayel violated the power-sharing formula devised in 1943 known as the national covenant.

Amal is demanding large-scale changes in the power-sharing formula.

The overwhelming Christian majority was sharply reduced, and higher Moslem birth rates eventually undermined Lebanon's power-sharing formulas.