Berri Says Has Proof of Attempts to Foil Elections

Speaker Nabih Berri said on Friday that proposals to introduce amendments to the new electoral law after its approval could impact the elections, and revealed he had proof of attempts to foil the long-awaited parliamentary elections, al-Akhbar daily reported on Friday.

The daily said the Speaker insists on having the elections staged on time, noting “discussions to introduce any amendments or reforms to the law could foil the whole elections. I have info that some, internally and abroad, do not want the elections be held,” the daily quoted Berri as saying without giving further details.

Lebanon's elections are scheduled on May 6, 2018. Even though the new complex electoral law was approved in July 2017, suggestions to introduce reforms surfaced lately four month before the polls date.

A ministerial panel tasked with studying the implementation of law on Tuesday failed to reach an agreement on so-called polling megacenters where voters can cast ballots away from their hometowns.

Moreover, Ain el-Tineh sources stressed that Berri “is keen on good relations with President Michel Aoun and PM Saad Hariri,” after the latest spat over a decree granting one-year seniority to several officers.

“All we want is respect for the Constitution and preserving the jurisdictions entitled to each in the Constitution. Everyone has expressed commitment to the Taef Accord but this must be translated through their commitment to the Constitution,” added the sources.