Jumblat Reminds that 1960 Electoral Law is Still in Effect
Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat on Thursday reminded politicians that the controversial 1960 electoral law, under which the 2009 polls were held, is still in effect.
The parliament has extended its own term twice since 2009 amid acute political disputes and failure to agree on a new electoral law.
“Why are some officials waging a disinformation campaign? There will be no extension. Until an agreement is reached on a new law, the 1960 law is still in effect, according to the Doha Agreement and according to the constitution,” Jumblat tweeted.
Lebanese political parties meeting in Doha after the May 2008 clashes had agreed to stage the 2009 parliamentary elections under an amended version of the 1960 law.
On April 12, President Michel Aoun suspended parliament for one month to prevent it extending its own term for the third time in less than four years. The legislature had been due to meet the next day to vote on an extension.
In the wake of Aoun's move, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri scheduled a legislative session for May 15.
Jumblat has repeatedly rejected the proportional representation electoral system, arguing that it would “marginalize” his minority Druze community whose presence is concentrated in the Aley and Chouf areas.
He has announced that he would accept a hybrid electoral law that mixes proportional representation with the winner-takes-all system but the political parties are still wrangling over the law's format and electoral districts.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/228798 |