March 14 Independent MPs Say Extension of Parliament's Term Undemocratic

Independent March 14 lawmakers expressed on Thursday regret over attempts to extend the parliament's term, considering that it opposes the democratic system and the principle of rotation in power.

“The security situation and the cabinet and parliament's inability to agree on an electoral law compel the forced extension of the legislature's term, which opposes the democratic norms,” a statement issued by the MPs said.

It pointed out that the extension obliges the political powers to facilitate the formation of the cabinet and to halt all the preventive conditions by the March 8 alliance.

The statement said that the situation in the country could lead to a constitutional vacuum, which threatens the state and its stability.

The lawmakers “agreed to deal positively with any consensus reached by the rival parties to avert any negative repercussions on the country.”

On Wednesday, Speaker Nabih Berri said that the parliament’s term will be extended to Nov, 20 2014.

A parliamentary session is set to be held on Friday to vote on the timeframe of extension.