Jumblat Ready to Discuss 'Positive' Electoral Proposals, Reiterates Call for Dialogue
Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat announced on Wednesday that he was ready to discuss any “positive” proposal on an electoral draft-law that would govern this year's parliamentary polls.
In remarks to As Safir daily, Jumblat said he was ready to discuss any “positive electoral idea” without giving further details.
The Druze leader has refused the so-called Orthodox Gathering proposal which envisages a single district and allows each sect to vote for its own MPs under a system of proportional representation, saying it harms the Lebanese social fabric.
He has also criticized a draft-law proposed by the government which calls for 13 districts and proportionality.
In his remarks Wednesday, Jumblat reiterated his warning that the region surrounding Lebanon is similar to a volcano, saying “we should avoid its lava.”
He also warned the rival March 8 majority and March 14 opposition alliances against believing that they could vanquish the other through an electoral formula that is in the making.
A parliamentary subcommittee has been holding daily meetings to find common ground on an electoral draft-law. But each party seems to be holding onto its stance and refusing to make concessions to meet halfway.
MP Akram Shehayyeb, who is representing the centrist PSP in the meetings of the subcommittee, reiterated on Monday his party's demand for the formation of a senate and the implementation of administrative decentralization.
Describing the elections as “transitory,” Jumblat called for “finding national consensus after the polls.”
In an interview with Voice of Russia, Jumblat called for exerting every effort to prevent the spread of Syria's war to Lebanon.
“The resumption of dialogue among the different political parties is also necessary,” he said.
“Some forces reject dialogue thinking for some reason that they are capable of deciding Lebanon's future alone,” Jumblat said about the March 14 opposition.
He described Suleiman as a wise man, lauding his efforts along with Prime Minister Najib Miqati to preserve the country's stability.
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