Beirut – Head of Lebanon’s Kataeb Party MP Nadim Gemayel slammed on Thursday the new parliamentary electoral law that was approved by the government, saying that it was flawed and lacked “unified standards.”
He declared during a press conference that proportional representation in an electoral law was “acceptable if it is done right,” but it is rejected because it was “disfigured in this new project.”
He said that officials approached the electoral law as they have approached other issues in the country where they seek to make a “deal” that best suits their interests.
“The adoption of the preferential vote in the ‘qada’ (district) contradicts proportionality. Why have districts been divided in some areas and merged with others? Isn’t this so they can tailor the law to their interests?” asked the MP.
Gemayel vowed that the Kataeb Party will run in the elections and emerge victorious.
“We will now turn towards the electoral campaign and our speech will focus on a new Lebanon where people may choose between the logic of the current authority and our serious logic in managing political life in the country,” he stressed.
He criticized how the electoral law was passed without being discussed at cabinet or parliament.
“Parliament has been barred from addressing it because the law was approved behind closed doors. The state institutions guarantee transparency, but the mafia mentality of the authority does not want them,” he said.
Addressing the ruling authority, Gemayel announced: “We were going to right the wrongs of the electoral and today you have left no room for maneuver for anyone, not even civil or women’s groups.”
“You have compartmentalized everything and tailored the law to your taste. You had five years to amend it, but you abandoned the people,” said the Kataeb chief.
“Despite this, we will head to the elections and we will hold you accountable there. We will cooperate with all who want change and the state of law,” he vowed.