Al-Rahi Calls for a 1960 Electoral Law Replacement, Says Only Army Preserves Lebanon's Dignity

Maronite Patriarch Beshara Beshara al-Rahi stated on Monday that only the military institution “represents and preserves the Lebanese people's dignity”, calling on the lawmakers to reach consensus over a replacement of the 1960's electoral law.

"I salute the army whose members' lives have been sacrificed for the country's sake,” Rahi said at Rafik Hariri International Airport, before heading to the Vatican to attend the first round of meetings of cardinals before the conclave to elect the next pope.

"It is the only institution that represents and preserves our dignity,” he noted.

Al-Rahi urged the citizens to respect the army “as that it represents legitimacy in Lebanon” and considering that without its presence, an “unlawful state of violence would prevail in the country”.

Al-Rahi's comments come after Islamist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir had attacked the military institution, accusing it of executing Iranian and Hizbullah orders.

Asir had commented to a heavy army deployment that took place near his Bilal bin Rabah mosque in Abra town of the southern city of Sidon during a sit-in by the Islamist cleric and his supporters: “We reject the security siege and media blackout”.

He slammed the unbalanced policies in Lebanon, saying “everyone in the country has the right to express his opinion but us.”

Commenting on the current electoral debate, the Maronite Patriarch reiterated his calls for agreeing on a replacement for the 1960's law that “does not serve any political party's interests”.

"Not reaching a consensus over an electoral law that serves Lebanon's best interest is a shame,” he expressed.

Al-Rahi addressed the different political factions in the country, calling on them “to act responsibly amid the electoral and security crises in the country”.

Various political powers approved the Orthodox Gathering electoral law, which was rejected by President Michel Suleiman, Premier Najib Miqati, the Mustaqbal bloc, independent Christian March 14 officials, and the National Struggle Front of MP Walid Jumblat.

Discussions have intensified between the factions in recent weeks in order to reach an agreement over a new law to avoid the possibility of the postponement of the elections.