Protesters gear up as politicians' clock winds down in Lebanon
Activists in Lebanon have organized to oppose a third extension of parliament and demand a modern electoral law that would bring in new political candidates.
Protesters in Lebanon are planning a two-for-one call to action: rallying against a possible third extension of parliament's term, and promoting a law mandating proportional elections rather than the current majoritarian, or "winner-take-all," approach.
President Michel Aoun wants to hold off on parliamentary elections until the contested 1960 Electoral Law can be replaced. Aoun, along with Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, insists on a "total proportionality" system, while others want either a hybrid law or the majoritarian system. Aoun has been trying to get legislators to pass the proportionality proposal before parliament's term expires June 21. If they can't come to an agreement before then, the politicians are likely to grant themselves another term without holding elections. Either that, or the country could be left without a parliament at all.
Aoun already fended off one term extension by postponing the April 13 parliamentary session for a month, until May 15, which he is allowed to do one time under the constitution. After a May 3 meeting, parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri said he ruled out extending parliament's term. He also proposed a proportional voting law in medium-sized districts linked to forming Lebanon's first Senate.
But when no agreement was reached by May 14, Berri moved the session to May 29. The protesters are growing restless.
