Khalil to Hariri: Bringing Extension of Expat Voter Registration to Cabinet Implicates Govt in Conflicts
Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil warned of attempts to introduce changes to the new electoral law saying they conceal intents to postpone the parliamentary elections, as he lamented listing the controversial topic on the Cabinet's agenda, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Thursday.
“The issue was discussed within the Ministerial Committee and was a subject of great controversy. The majority's opinion believed it should not be introduced. Only Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil approved this proposal and Prime Minister Saad Hariri supported him,” Khalil told the daily.
He said the controversial proposal -listed on the Cabinet agenda for discussion on Thursday- to extend the deadline for voter registration of Lebanese expats “hides plans aiming to postpone the legislative elections.”
Bassil had proposed the urgent draft decree to extend the deadline for Lebanese expats to register in the upcoming elections.
“What is the purpose of listing the topic on the Cabinet's agenda? Did not Hariri tell us that he would distance his government from contentious issues? This behavior will place the government at the center of conflicts,” noted Khalil.
The AMAL Movement Minister stressed saying: “AMAL Ministers and in coordination with allies will stand against this project which will open the door to a wide range of amendments.”
Meanwhile, Speaker Nabih Berri insists that amendments on the new law are out of question adamantly stressing that the polls will be staged on time.
The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss several items on Thursday including Bassil's request.
Head of the Free Patriotic Movement, Bassil had urged politicians to support the extension in order to encourage Lebanese expats to participate in political life.
Lebanon's parliamentary election are scheduled in May, while overseas ballots will be cast in April.
By the law, registration deadline for expats expired on November 20, 2017.
Source: Naharnet
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