Harb Rejects Paralysis of State, Urges Agreement over Electoral Law

March 14 independent MP Butros Harb slammed on Monday attempts to paralyze constitutional institutions, urging parliamentary blocs to swiftly agree on a new electoral law.

“If circumstances obliged us to extend the tenure of the parliament then it must be for few months,” Harb said after talks with President Michel Suleiman at the Baabda Palace.

The parliament's electoral subcommittee has been holding consecutive meetings since last week under the auspices of Speaker Nabih Berri in an attempt to reach consensus over an electoral law.

But the rival lawmakers failed on Saturday to reach consensus on a new law, suggesting the extension of the legislature’s mandate.

Concerning the procrastination in the formation of the new cabinet, the Batroun MP called for a swift process to end any violations by caretaker ministers.

“The political vacuum must end,” Harb said.

Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam revealed on Monday in comments to local newspapers that he is stalling the formation of the cabinet until the dispute over the electoral law ends.

Salam is seeking the formation of a 24-member cabinet in which the Hizbullah-led March 8 alliance, the March 14 coalition and the centrists would each get 8 ministers.