March 14 Independent MPs to Submit Candidacies if Electoral Subcommittee Fails to Reach Consensus
Independent March 14 lawmakers considered on Saturday that the meetings of the electoral subcommittee will lead to vacuum as foes are sharply divided over the new electoral law, pointing out that they may run their candidacies based on the 1960 law if the rivals fail to agree on an vote law.
The MPs hailed the efforts exerted by the rival parties to facilitate holding a parliamentary session to agree on an electoral law, expressing concern over the discussions between the electoral subcommittee members on the extension of the parliament's term.
“Our political system is based on voting and the majority should win any vote on the matter,” a statement issued the independent lawmakers said.
The MPs rejected to link setting a date for a parliamentary session based on a unanimous decision taken by the members of the electoral subcommittee.
The meeting that was held at the residence of MP Butros Harb revealed that if the foes failed to reach common ground over a new electoral law then the March 14 independent MPs will submit their candidacies based on the 1960 electoral law.
The attendees also agreed to exert efforts to achieve best representation, in particular for Christians, which would maintain coexistence.
They warned of any “constitutional vacancy,” which will have a negative impact on the country.
The parliament's electoral subcommittee has been holding consecutive meetings since Wednesday under the auspices of Speaker Nabih Berri in an attempt to reach consensus over the matter.
An amended version of the 1960 law was adopted in the 2009 parliamentary elections, but the majority of the political blocs are refusing to adopt it for this year's polls.
The Orthodox Gathering law has meanwhile been rejected by President Michel Suleiman, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati, the Mustaqbal bloc, MP Walid Jumblat's National Struggle Front, and independent Christian March 14 MPs.
The Orthodox draft law, which considers Lebanon a single electoral district and allows each sect to vote for its own MPs under a proportional representation system, is strongly backed by Hizbullah and the Free Patriotic Movement.
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