Lebanese bishop urges prompt electoral reform

Boulos Matar, the Maronite Bishop of Beirut, told Arabstoday that Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Rai laments Lebanese politicians’ failure to negotiate electoral reform. After several rounds of talks, politicians from the March 8 and March 14 coalitions have yet to draft a new electoral formula to replace the “1960 law” that regulated the 2009 election. On Friday, Matar acted as Rai’s emissary to Nabih Berri, the speaker of Lebanon’s parliament, and Walid Jumblatt, MP for the Progressive Socialist Party. In discussions with both politicians, the bishop imparted a clear demand that parliamentary elections be held on time in June, as stipulated by the constitution. Matar underlined that a new electoral law should appease all political factions and form the basis of a national consensus. He denied having proposed any specific initiatives to Berri or Jumblatt. Matar said: "I received positive reactions from both parties,” but declined to provide further details. Sources close to Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam told Arabstoday that “work is underway, and current holidays provide much opportunity to think about what needs to be done.” Salam was appointed on April 6 and has yet to form a new government. The same sources said Salam raised critical questions in a meeting with a March 8 delegation earlier this week.  March 8 is expected to respond by mid-week, following the holidays, with answers that could facilitate legislative progress. Salam also met with Imad Hout, MP for the Al-Jamaa Al-Islamiya party, to discuss Lebanon’s predicament on Friday. Hout previously suggested that elections would be postponed due to the magnitude of differences between political camps.