Berri in 'Secret Talks' with Mustaqbal over Hybrid Electoral Law
Speaker Nabih Berri has revealed that he has been secretly communicating with al-Mustaqbal Movement for around a month now over a hybrid electoral law under which 64 MPs would be elected under the winner-takes-all system and the other 64 under the proportional representation system, a media report said on Monday.
In remarks published by An Nahar newspaper, Berri said he has been informed by Mustaqbal that an internal debate is taking place among the movement's members and that there is an inclination to endorse the hybrid law that has been proposed by the speaker.
“I have told Mustaqbal that I'm willing to be utterly responsive, if necessary, to any suggestion on any article in the draft law that might be perceived as vague or unfair, especially that the main goal behind this suggestion is balance and consistency,” Berri added.
The speaker also disclosed that he has discussed the issue with the Free Patriotic Movement, noting that “contacts are positive with both parties and will be completed on September 5” during the scheduled national dialogue session.
“Should we finalize the electoral law, we would be completing 90% of the package deal,” Berri pointed out.
But sources informed on the drafting of the new electoral law told An Nahar that “there are indications suggesting that it is not possible to reach a consensual format before the beginning of the parliament's regular session in mid-October, despite the efforts that are being currently exerted by the FPM and the Lebanese Forces.”
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