Independent March 14 Figures Reject Orthodox Gathering Electoral Draft Law
Independent figures affiliated in the March 14 alliance rejected on Thursday the adoption of the Orthodox Gathering's proposed electoral draft law in the upcoming parliamentary elections, saying it harms Christians, national unity and coexistence.
“We reject any electoral law that doesn't rectify the political representation, in particular, for Christians,” MP Butros Harb told reporters after a meeting held at his residence in Hazmieh with independent officials in the opposition.
The lawmaker, who read a statement issued by the attendees, stressed that the Orthodox Gathering proposal harms Christians and national unity as “each sect will have its own state under this law.”
“The law wasn't adopted by any Christian spiritual leaders,” Harb said, arguing that it is a “very dangerous proposal as it incites division among sects.”
On Sunday, the Christian four-party committee on the electoral law agreed to endorse the electoral system proposed by the so-called Orthodox Gathering, under which each sect would elect its own lawmakers.
The four-party panel comprises representatives from the Free Patriotic Movement, the Lebanese Forces, the Phalange Party and the Marada Movement.
Harb noted that the Orthodox Gathering law will “transform a segment of Lebanese into second degree citizens,” criticizing it for opposing the constitution.
The attendees called on Christians to set straight their priorities and work hard to establish an electoral law that better represents them.
They also hailed President Michel Suleiman's stance over the matter, who rejected the law by describing it as “unconstitutional.”
The proposal was also criticized by Premier Najib Miqati, Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat and al-Mustaqbal Movement.
Harb said that the gatherers insist on holding the upcoming polls on time.
The meeting included MPs Henry Helou, Michel Pharaon, Dory Chamoun, Fouad al-Saad, Antoine Saad, Nicolas Ghosn, former MP Samir Franjieh, head of Independence Movement Michel Mouawad and several other figures.
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