Gemayel: Temporary Alliances Can't Secure Correct Christian Representation

Kataeb Party chief MP Sami Gemayel on Monday lashed out at the political forces over their failure to approve a new electoral law until the moment, noting that “temporary alliances” cannot secure “correct Christian representation.”

“We remind all parties of their obligations regarding the electoral law and we raise the alarm over the threat democracy is facing in Lebanon,” Gemayel said at a press conference.

“We cannot but condemn all political forces over the 1960 law after they said that this law destroys correct representation and democracy,” he added.

Gemayel warned that the 1960 law “does not only consolidate the monopoly of large parties but also undermines correct Christian representation and the ability of all reformists to be present in the next parliament.”

He decried that the electoral law “is not present on the agenda of the legislative session that will be held after two days, although the president has called for an extraordinary session.”

And reminding the government of the pledges in its policy statement about the electoral law, Gemayel lamented that “since the government was formed, the electoral law was not placed on the agenda of any Cabinet session.”

“We appeal to the president, who spoke of pluralism and a new electoral law in his oath of office,” Kataeb's chief added.

He warned that “the new presidential tenure cannot begin with undermining the foundations that the president has promised, topped by securing real partnership.”

“We will support the president in any step aimed at passing a new electoral law,” Gemayel said.

“Let no one try to convince us that correct Christian representation can be secured through temporary alliances,” he added, apparently referring to a likely alliance between the Free Patriotic Movement and the Lebanese Forces in the next elections.

Gemayel however noted that “Kataeb is preparing for the elections.”

“Will not stop pushing for the approval of a new law... We will continue the discussions with all parties and we won't surrender and we still have a month,” he added.

“We know that the president wants a new law and we hope he will seek to achieve what he had described as a priority in the past. The FPM was on our side in battles aimed at reaching a new electoral law and it's about time we achieved that,” Gemayel said.

The country has not voted for a parliament since 2009, with the legislature instead twice extending its own mandate.

The 2009 polls were held under an amended version of the 1960 electoral law and the next elections are scheduled for May 2017.