Change and Reform Wants 'Change and Solutions' President, Urges Fair Electoral Law

The Change and Reform bloc led by MP Michel Aoun on Wednesday called for electing a president who would bring “change and solutions,” as it stressed that the electoral law for parliamentary polls must be “fair” for Christians.

“We are advocates of a change and solutions presidency,” said the bloc in a statement issued after its weekly meeting.

The statement was recited by former labor minister Salim Jreissati.

“There will be no leniency regarding the National Pact and the Constitution, in order to rescue the State,” the bloc said.

Turning to the issue of the electoral law, the bloc emphasized that it must ensure “fairness, equality and proper representation.”

“The subcommittee is asked to focus on the constitutional standards in order for the law to be fair,” it said.

Earlier in the day, a 10-member parliamentary panel was set up to devise a new electoral law, as part of the political settlement that had led to holding a legislative session on Thursday and Friday after around a one-year interruption.

Ongoing disputes among the rival political parties over the electoral law forced parliament to extend its term the first time in 2013 and a second time in 2014.

Media reports have said that the subcommittee would have two months to reach an agreement over the electoral draft law.

Y.R.