Lebanese Cabinet OKs election law

Poll expected to be held in May 2018 after years of political differences

BEIRUT: The Lebanese Cabinet has approved a draft law for parliamentary elections after years of disputes, arguments and failed draft resolutions.

“The Cabinet approved the law... with an extension of Parliament’s term by 11 months for technical reasons” to prepare for the polls under the new law, Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

Parliament, which is set to meet on Friday, must now also approve the law. If it goes through, the legislation will pave the way for the first elections in eight years, likely to be held in May 2018.

The new law enjoys the unanimity of the prime minister’s council except for three ministers who expressed reservations. They represent the Syrian Social Nationalist Party, the Lebanese Democratic Party and the Marada Movement.

The law is expected to revive democracy and establish a path to reform in the Lebanese system.

Minister of State for Women’s Affairs Jean Ogasapian told Arab News that the new law will shift Lebanon to a proportional system and divide the country into 15 voting districts.

Ogasapian urged women to push and lobby the parties to have women strongly represented on their lists.