Charbel Says Postponement of Elections 'Inevitable'
Caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel revealed on Thursday that the postponement of the upcoming parliamentary elections is a inevitable as several obstacles will hinder carrying the polls on time.
“I will hand over to Speaker (Nabih) Berri and (caretaker Prime Minister Najib) Miqati a memo on Monday to inform them about the matter,” Charbel said in comments published in al-Liwaa newspaper.
He pointed out that several factors including the failure to provide his ministry with the required funds to cover the expenses of holding the polls and to form the independent authority overseeing the elections are the main hindrances obstructing the process.
“I don't think we can resolve these dilemmas... The postponement became unavoidable and it's impossible to hold elections on time,” Charbel added.
Charbel continuously reiterated that he was preparing for the polls based on the 1960 law, saying the non-implementation of a certain article does not prevent the elections from taking place.
Article 11 of the 1960 law states that the independent authority overseeing the elections should be established based on a cabinet decision.
Deep rift between the March 8 and 14 alliances surfaced over the electoral system that would be adopted during the upcoming polls.
The majority insists on the adoption of the Orthodox proposal that considers Lebanon a single district and allows each sect to vote for its own MPs under a proportional representation system, but it was opposed by President Michel Suleiman, Miqati, al-Mustaqbal bloc, the PSP, and the independent Christian MPs of the March 14 opposition, saying it harms the social fabric and increases sectarian tension.
However, Suleiman and Miqati have signed a decree that sets the elections on June 9 based on the 1960 law that was used in the 2009 polls over the lack of agreement between the bickering parliamentary blocs.
Their call have drawn the ire of the March 8 majority coalition, which has totally rejected the law.
11 years
What an ANALogy... Belgians who speak belgianese don't use firearms against one another. They don't abduct people because they're fed up and need money. If we stay 2 years without government, Lebanon will be turned upside down.
If the orthodox law is unconstitutional, then it must be edited. Don't blame the president, he swore to protect the constitution.
11 years
Duh!
11 years
with or without government what is the difference?
any gvt is unable to improve the country all busy at filling their bank accounts and quenching their thirst for power...with the benediction of lebanese, happy to back their sectarian leader hoping to get benefits out of it...
11 years
that was the plan from the beginning to cancel the elections so that M8 stays in power till they assess what would become of bashar their ally... and help him.
that is why M8 is minimizing this mishap when they certified the elections would be held on time before... a whole scenario planned from the very beginning by the M8 hypocrit cowards...
they seized power by the blackmailing of hezbi weapons and now won t hold the elections just to stay in power and because they are afraid of the outcome of the elections!
We as the lebanese people employed you politicians as our representatives in parliament to keep this great country's economy , security , and socially protected and prosper.. For god's sake if the subcommittee have voted for the orthodox law then so be it , from the president down must accept the democratic process of a majority vote!! Full stop , like it or not !! The people have spoken .. If you politicians are against this decision will tough luck for you .. Stop holding Lebanon as hostage and send us into chaos of the unknown , you all must be fired from you posts as our employees yes you are all our workers' your fired !! Let the Lebanese Army take full control until we elect a new govt. for the people and working for the people ! Not for yourself interests.. Now go home and don't come come back to work , you thieves!!!!