Al-Rahi: Elections Must be Held on Time with or without Law Amendment
Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi said on Tuesday that he prefers that the 2013 parliamentary elections be held on time, even if no agreement was reached on a new electoral law.
“If they can't agree on a new electoral law, the 1960 law is still in place,” said al-Rahi upon his arrival to Rafik Hariri International Airport from the Vatican.
Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said on Friday that “it is possible to extend the term of the current parliament for an additional 6 months until an accord on the electoral law is reached or the 1960 law is amended”.
Al-Rahi also called upon politicians to resume the national dialogue sessions, asking the leaders to “abandon all preconditions that are hindering these talks for the sake of the country and its welfare”.
“We need partnership and love and I have reiterated my commitment to them because Lebanon and the Orient are going through increasing divisions and conflicts,” he added.
The March 14 coalition had announced upon the assassination of General Wissam al-Hasan that it would be boycotting all cabinet's work and parliamentary sessions, calling on PM Najib Miqati to resign.
Al-Rahi denied any ambitions to pursue a political career or to become a candidate for the presidency of Lebanon, explaining that “a Patriarch is a religious figure not a political one”.
Al-Rahi added that clergymen's role “is dedicated to preserving the values of our people and achieving the best for our community”.
On Saturday, al-Rahi joined the elite club of churchmen who will elect the next pope after he was officially appointed as cardinal during a ceremony held by Pope Benedict XVI at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
Around 500 officials and politicians led by President Michel Suleiman were among 1,500 Lebanese attending Saturday's ceremony.
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