Aoun: Lebanese Will Get a New Voting System

President Michel Aoun assured the Lebanese on Thursday that a new electoral law will be devised as was promised in his oath of office, and praised the reactions following his decision to suspend the parliament for one month, the National News Agency reported.

“The Lebanese will have a new law, just like I vowed in my oath of office. I am confident that the related authorities are going to intensify their meetings in order to reach a law that preserves the interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese,” Aoun told his visitors.

On his announcement on Wednesday where he invoked his constitutional powers to adjourn the parliament for one month, Aoun said: “I hope the deadline provided by the decision will be an additional opportunity during which a new law for the parliamentary elections will be agreed that reflects the aspirations of the Lebanese and their hopes.”

Presidential Palace sources told VDL (93.3) that “potentials are high and the cabinet could meet next week and tackle the voting system file now that disagreements between the parties have narrowed.”

They also pointed out that the ministerial committee tasked with following up on the file plans to complete it before submitting it to the cabinet.

On Wednesday, Aoun addressed the nation from the Presidential Palace and said he is invoking his constitutional powers to adjourn the parliament for one month.

Lebanon's deputies were set to vote in Parliament on Thursday to postpone national elections and extend their term for a third time since 2013.

The President justified the adjournment to give legislators time to craft a new election law and hold elections as quickly as possible.

Lebanon's political parties say it is time to scrap the country's 1960 voting law that allocates seats by religious sect, but disagree over what system should replace it.

Aoun says he was elected president last October with the mandate of ushering in a new law, and elections.

Opposition parties and civic groups are threatening demonstrations against any parliamentary extension tomorrow.