Aoun: Extension without New Law Not in Interest of Lebanon, Democratic System
President Michel Aoun warned Tuesday that any new extension of parliament’s term without an agreement on a new electoral law would not be “in the interest of Lebanon and its democratic system.”
“Extending parliament’s term without agreeing on the new law or its main points will not be in the interest of Lebanon and its democratic system, and the president who represents the country’s unity and who is entrusted with the constitution cannot but be loyal to his oath of office and committed to protecting the people and their interests,” Aoun said.
He noted that “there is still an opportunity to agree on a new parliamentary electoral law that guarantees correct, fair and equal representation for the Lebanese people.”
“The leaders must respond to the will of the Lebanese and must agree on the law, especially that contacts are still ongoing and the points of agreement are numerous,” the president said, adding that “an agreement is possible at any given moment if the intentions are honest.”
Earlier in the day, the Parliament’s Bureau called for a Thursday legislative session that has the extension of the legislature’s term on its agenda.
A ministerial panel tasked with mulling a new electoral law meanwhile held its first meeting on Thursday afternoon.
Source: Naharnet
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