Berri to Lawmakers: Parliament Term Extension 'Impossible'

Speaker Nabih Berri reiterated on Wednesday that an extension of the parliament's term is “absolutely impossible.”

Addressing lawmakers during his Wednesday meeting with deputies in Ain el-Tineh, he said: “Rest assured, I speak on behalf of the council. A parliament mandate extension is absolutely inconceivable.

“My words are also addressed at those who accuse us of seeking an extension,” he added.

The Speaker stressed the need to agree on a new voting system for Lebanon's parliamentary elections, he said: “We have to reach an agreement on a new law for the polls."

In April President Michel Aoun invoked his constitutional powers to adjourn the parliament for one month to give the legislators time to craft a new election law and hold the elections as quickly as possible.

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

A parliament session is set to be held on May 15.

Rival political parties are still bickering over an electoral law format for the upcoming parliamentary polls despite numerous high-level meetings and consultations to reach consensus on a law to replace Lebanon's current 1960 majoritarian system.

The country has not organized parliamentary elections since 2009 and the legislature has instead twice extended its own mandate. The last polls were held under an amended version of the 1960 electoral law.