Maronite Bishops Reject 1960s Electoral Law, Highlight Expatriates Right to Vote
The Maronite bishops council hoped on Friday that officials would set as a priority reaching an agreement over a new parliamentary electoral law, stressing that the elections should be held on time.
They said in a statement after their monthly meeting: “We believe it is our national duty to reject the 1960 electoral law because it does not ensure fair representation.”
They also opposed any amendment to the 1960 law, “because it resulted in representation that violates coexistence.”
An amended version of the law was adopted during the 2009 parliamentary elections.
“It is imperative that the new law guarantee just representation, equality among Muslims and Christians, as stipulated by the Taef accord, and grant expatriates the right to vote,” they added.
The government approved in August an electoral law based on proportional representation and 13 electoral districts.
The opposition and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat have however voiced their rejection of the draft law.
Addressing Pope Benedict XVI's recent visit to Lebanon, the Maronite bishops council thanked him for his visit and President Michel Suleiman and the Lebanese state for maintaining security throughout his trip.
“We ask God that the Apostolic Exhortation would positively affect Lebanon and the region and we urge Christians to adopt and implement it,” they added.
The pope arrived in Lebanon on September 14 on a three-day visit during which he signed the Apostolic Exhortation.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/55128 |