Gemayel Says Hollande Voiced Concern over Delaying Elections
Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel on Thursday said French President Francois Hollande informed him of his interest in the ongoing debate in Lebanon over the electoral system, but noted that the French leader voiced concern that Lebanon might not “respect the constitutional deadlines.”
Gemayel was speaking during a press conference he held in Paris to wrap up a several-day visit to France during which he met with Hollande and former premier Saad Hariri.
Gemayel's talks with Hollande “focused on the developments of the Syrian crisis and its impact on Lebanon, especially concerning the security, political and humanitarian repercussions caused by the influx of refugees,” according to a statement issued by Gemayel's office.
Asked about the electoral law, Gemayel said: “We insist on a law that ensures real equality and equal power-sharing between Muslims and Christians according to the principles of the constitution and the Taef Accord, although this equal power-sharing was symbolic under the 2008 law and the situation cannot remain like this.”
“We are seeking real equality, not equality on paper, and this can be achieved through the 50-district, winner-takes-all system proposed by the Phalange Party, or through the Orthodox Gathering's proposal or any other law,” Gemayel added, noting that “as much as we're insisting on ensuring the proper representation of Christians, we're also insisting on ensuring the proper representation of Muslims.”
The Phalange leader also revealed that several alternatives are being discussed in a bid to find common ground among the various parties, such as “modifying the Orthodox Gathering's proposal to base it on the winner-takes-all system instead of proportional representation, while maintaining openness to any ideas that ensure proper Christian representation.”
Gemayel categorically denied the presence of any tumult in the March 14 camp over the electoral law, describing his meeting with Hariri as “constructive and fruitful.”
Commenting on the tensions in Lebanon over the Syrian conflict, Gemayel reiterated his call for abiding by “positive neutrality according to the Baabda Declaration.”
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