Suleiman Meets al-Rahi: I Hope We Won’t Return to 1960 Electoral Law

President Michel Suleiman credited on Sunday the Taif Accord for establishing the current political balance in Lebanon.

He said before reporters: “We live in a democratic country and we hope that we will not return to the 1960 parliamentary electoral law.”

He made his statements after holding a closed-door meeting with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi at Bkirki.

Asked about the criticism that had been recently directed against al-Rahi over his positions on Syria, the president remarked: “The patriarch reiterates the principles of Bkirki.”

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea had slammed al-Rahi’s statements that Syria “is now closer to democracy,” saying that he cannot be proud of such remarks.

On the failed assassination attempt against the LF chief, Suleiman hoped that the perpetrators will be captured.

“We will not allow civil peace to be destabilized,” he stressed.

On Wednesday, Geagea was the victim of a failed sniper attack while he was taking a walk on the grounds of his Maarab residence.

Suleiman later attended Easter mass at Bkirki, which was also attended by a number of officials.

A debate has erupted among the political class in Lebanon over which electoral law should be adopted during the 2013 parliamentary elections.

The March 8 camp is pushing for the adoption of proportional representation for the law, which is opposed by Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat.

The MP’s supporters had accused those seeking proportionality of wanting to limit the Druze chief’s political weight.