Al-Rahi Rejects during Christmas Message 1960 Electoral Law, Calls for Formation of New Cabinet

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi reiterated on Monday calls on the rival political parties to reach peace, agree on a new electoral law and form a new cabinet capable of safeguarding the country.

During his Christmas message, al-Rahi said that the controversial electoral law is the “basis of our conflicts.”

“We should agree on an electoral law other than the 1960s law,” he stressed.

The 1960 law, which adopts the qada as an electoral district, was adopted in the 2009 parliamentary elections.

Al-Rahi urged officials to reach common ground to form a new government capable of carrying out polls on time and supervising them.

The March 14 alliance has boycotted all government and parliamentary activity linked to the elections, however, it made concessions by announcing earlier this month that it would end its boycott of the parliamentary subcommittee to discuss an electoral law ahead of the 2013 polls.

Discussions over the adoption of a new electoral law were obstructed after the assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau head Brigadier General Wissam al-Hasan on October 19.

The March 14 opposition announced its boycott in wake of the incident calling for the formation of a neutral salvation cabinet.

Parties should agree on a “cabinet that would be able to prevent any negative repercussions that might be imposed on the country due to the ongoing conflict in Syria and the developments in the region,” al-Rahi pointed out.

He called for a government that would disassociate Lebanon from the regional and international conflicts.

Lebanon's government has sought to stay out of the Syrian crisis while the country is bitterly divided over the rebellion.

The international community and analysts have expressed fears that the conflict in Syria may spill over into Lebanon.

“We need to cooperate and launch comprehensive dialogue to implement coexistence,” the patriarch noted.

He preached that peace “should be achieved from within before implementing it on our surroundings,” calling for the rejection of fundamentalism that exploits religion to flourish.

“The region needs a moderate and democratic change that ensures the rotation of power,” he stressed.

“We renew our faith in Christ and the Middle East is our land,” al-Rahi added.