Hariri Warns against Return to 1960 Law or Extension, Says Berri Wants 'Modern Law'

Prime Minister Saad Hariri warned Monday that a return to the 1960 electoral law or the extension of parliament's term would be “a defeat for us all,” noting that Speaker Nabih Berri wants a “modern” law.

“Some are analyzing that we're calling for change in public while secretly seeking to return to the 1960 law or extension, but I tell you that I'm fully confident that a return to the 1960 law or extension would represent a defeat for us all in front of our popular bases,” Hariri said at the Grand Serail during an iftar banquet attended by Berri and a host of political, religious and social figures.

“When I say that we will reach an electoral law, this means that we will reach an electoral law, because failure is prohibited,” Hariri added.

“We are on the verge of achieving that,” the premier reassured.

He also noted that a new electoral law and the organization of parliamentary elections would improve the situations in the country at all levels and would also lead to real “stability.”