Jumblat Reiterates Rejection of Electoral Law that Causes More 'National Divide'
Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat on Thursday expressed understanding of Christian fears from demographic changes but reiterated his warning from an electoral draft-law that causes further sectarian divisions among the Lebanese.
In remarks to As Safir daily, Jumblat said: “We understand the Christian worries from the demographic change but it is unacceptable to confront the minimum level of consensus” reached among different factions in return “for a law that would further cause national divide.”
The PSP chief was referring to the Orthodox Gathering proposal which has received the backing of the four major Christian parties - Lebanese Forces, the Phalange Party, the Free Patriotic Movement and Marada.
The proposal, which has been severely criticized by Jumblat for harming the social fabric, calls for a single district and allows each sect to vote for its own MPs under a proportional representation system.
The Druze leader told As Safir that Speaker Nabih Berri is keen on preventing a further sectarian divide mainly between Sunnis and Shiites.
Berri wants an electoral law that is consolidated by political consensus, he said. But Jumblat warned that it would be difficult to reach a consensual solution if each side continues to seek for a draft-law that would give it the parliamentary majority after the polls.
Jumblat said he was convinced that the elections would be held on time unless a “big security incident” takes place.
The PSP leader reiterated his support for President Michel Suleiman, saying he is a wise man.
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