Lebanese president dismisses 1960s law

Lebanon President Michel Sleiman has dismissed holding parliamentary elections under the county’s existing 1960’s electoral law as “wrong”, but insisted that forgoing the vote altogether “will amount to a fatal sin.” After a closed-door meeting with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Saturday, Sleiman said that Lebanon’s political parties are obligated to agree on a new electoral law. “The majority of the Lebanese people do not want to hold the elections based on the 1960, but they also want the elections to be held,” he said. Sleiman insisted that the elections would go ahead “no matter what in accordance with the constitution.” “They should be held regardless of what type of government is formed,” he added The Lebanese president also rejected the possibility of extending the term of the current parliament, reiterating the need for a new government. “The new government will be tasked with holding the polls, limiting the repercussions of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon, and maintaining stability.” During his Easter sermon, Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi, said that "Lebanon needs officials, who are able to build a better future, and find fair solutions to the crisis. “Lebanon and the whole region are passing a very dangerous stage, politically, economically and socially, and need all aspects of cooperation, understanding and peace," he added.