Mikari calls for modern electoral law

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Farid Mikari called on all political sides to draft an acceptable modern election law that would represent the true aspirations of all Lebanese. Speaking to "Al Sharq" radio, the MP warned that any attempt to extend the mandate of the parliament will be considered a grave sin, stressing that March 14 will do its best to prevent this from happening. But Mikari noticed that the parliamentary subcommittee which was tasked to reach a new election law may achieve some breakthrough. "This subcommittee mirrors the views of the parliamentary blocs although the committee's decisions are not mandatory," he explained. Mikari argued that there is a general consensus among all Lebanese to reject the 1960 election law. "We prefer a modern election law that provides better representation. But in case the Lebanese failed to reach an agreement on a new law then we have to hold elections under the old law." Mikari added that March 8 and especially Hezbollah are not too keen to lose their hegemony and control of the country, claiming that March 8 is aware that they could lose the elections. "They (March 8) want an election law that would guarantee they would stay in power." Mikari added that the government will not have any representative in the subcommittee and this is very reassuring.