Miqati: Regional Developments Won’t Deter us from Holding 2013 Elections on Time
Prime Minister Najib Miqati noted on Tuesday that the calm atmosphere that marked Sunday’s municipal by-elections reflected the Lebanese people’s “constant longing” to practice their democratic rights.
He said: “The various regional developments will not thwart us from holding the 2013 parliamentary elections on time.”
He made his remarks during a ceremony at the Grand Serail marking the launch of a development workshop in the Dinieh region in the North.
The premier continued: “Regardless of the results of Sunday’s elections, we believe that all sides have expressed their desire for cooperation in order to develop their towns and villages.”
“We hope that this desire will carry on to next year’s parliamentary elections, which are a sign that democratic life in Lebanon is doing very well,” Miqati stressed.
“Parliamentary elections have long distinguished political life in Lebanon and they demonstrate the Lebanese people’s attachment to a democratic and parliamentary system, which has withstood the various political and security setbacks that the country has witnessed over the years,” he added.
The municipal by-elections took place on Sunday without incident despite the political tensions in Lebanon.
A dispute between the various political factions is ongoing over the adoption of a parliamentary electoral law.
The March 8 camp is calling for the adoption of proportional representation for the law, while the March 14-led opposition has voiced its objection to it.
Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat has also slammed the law, saying that it is aimed at limiting his political weight.
Interior Minister Marwan Charbel has repeatedly stated that the factions should reach an agreement over the electoral law at least six months before the elections to allow his ministry to take the necessary measures to ensure that they are held.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/39519 |