Ya Libnan

Maronite leaders support Orthodox’ proposed electoral law

Share:

Maronite leaders agreed Friday to support the Orthodox Gathering’s draft electoral law, and agreed to form a committee to discuss the proposed law with Lebanese officials.

The electoral law proposal by the Orthodox Gathering, calls for each sect to elects its own lawmakers to ensure fairer representation.

The leaders said that they consider the proposal of Orthodox Gathering as a valid formula to achieve fair and effective representation” for Christians and enforces coexistence and equality between Muslims and Christians according to a statement released after Maronite leaders met

“The electoral law aims at reaching election results that reflect popular will and true representation between all components of society and especially for the principle of equality,” the statement added.

Headed by Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai, the meeting Friday gathered rival politicians such as former president and current Phalange party leader Amine Gemayel, Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea, the leader of the Free Patriotic Movement Michel Aoun and Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh.

The statement also said that failure to achieve equal representation threatens stability in Lebanon.

The Orthodox Gathering, which includes businessmen, politicians and Greek Orthodox clerics, was formed earlier this year in protest at what they say is the marginalization of the Greek Orthodox sect in Lebanon.

Geagea said on Friday that he was “satisfied” with the results of the Christian Maronite meeting according to a statement issued by his press office.

“We discussed [issues] in a manner that [strengthens] coexistence, where no Lebanese feels left behind.”

Geagea praised the Orthodox proposal and said it is in accordance with the Taif Accord.

Asked to comment on the difference between an electoral law based on proportionality and the proposed law Geagea said :”The Orthodox proposal “guarantees proper representation in a better way.”

Gemayel said following the meeting that the circumstances in Lebanon call for consultations between Lebanese components.

“We have to reach an agreement that provides national balance and good representation,” he added.

Opposition

The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER) on Friday voiced its disappointment that the Maronite meeting “adopted the Orthodox proposal pertaining to the electoral law.”

CCER said that the proposal is a violation of the Lebanese citizen’s rights because it paves the way for sectarianism and undermines the principle of co-existence.

It also voiced the importance of adopting an electoral law based on proportional representation with democratic standards.

CCER called on all leaders, particularly those who met earlier today in Bkirki, to reconsider all the decisions they made concerning an electoral law for the 2013 parliamentary elections.

Lebanese parties are presently debating the electoral law for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Share:

Comments

40 responses to “Maronite leaders support Orthodox’ proposed electoral law”

  1. prophettt Avatar
    prophettt

    Great, Instead of thinking of a modern electoral law based on equality and secularism,  so that we can have a true representation,We’re discussing an electoral law that would bring us back to stone ages.
    I think it was Abraham Lincoln who said : “Walk slow, but don’t walk Backward” ; Lebanese ,it seems ,always see a “DEAD END” sign ahead of them,so they are always walking backward .
    If each sect  is to elect its representatives, The very tribal system we have suffered so much from, will  officially tell Lebanese  that  they no longer  need their other fellow citizens from other sects.Soon we’d be discussing sectarian confederation. By far, it is the worst idea I have heard .

    1. beyondreason1022 Avatar
      beyondreason1022

      Could not have said it any better. 
      ( This is re post from an old commentary) Thanks for mother France for leaving the Lebanese with a doctrine that gives rights to protecting the so called each religion; in return the Lebanese believed this myth and ran with it. I suggest a solution, and might be naive, the former colonial power reoccupy Lebanon and recreate a new Democratic formula for so called fake country Lebanon.

      1. 5thDrawer Avatar
        5thDrawer

        So … 18 little countries with 18 little armies and 18 little airports and 18 little elections …
        And how about electricity? Who owns the water?

        1. prophettt Avatar
          prophettt

          5th, You stated 18 mini states,but I know you ignored the secular and the atheists as if they don’t deserve their own mini state.lol

        2. 5thDrawer Avatar
          5thDrawer

          🙂 Ok Prophet … then make it 25, with a few empty extras for future aliens (in the snow perhaps). Just make sure mine is beach-front, ok? 😉

          By the way, do you think they ran this past the Pope? He has his own little state … army … blessed water supply …

        3. prophettt Avatar
          prophettt

          5th, Mine as well make them 50 parties.lol, Beach front is fine with me,but no political debates there, please.
          No way of knowing if they ran it past the pope, but my guess is that the pope has more important things to worry about. Lebanese have to learn that the world does not rotate around Lebanon, God did create many millions of people beside Lebanese,Jesus has other children beside Lebanese Christians,and Prophet Mohammad has other followers beside the Lebanese Muslims.

        4. libnan1 Avatar
          libnan1

          5th, Don’t forget the poles …:)

    2. Sebouh80 Avatar
      Sebouh80

      Prophettt, The so called Orthodox law that was supported by most Maronite conservative politicians is simply designed to preserve their political power in a dysfunctional country as Lebanon. This is a classic case of “divide and conquer” that will breed more sectarianism then ever.

      Personally, I condemn this law as this would destroy any hope of  radical change.

      Take care Bro.

      1. prophettt Avatar
        prophettt

        Totally agree. This would destroy what little is left of the national and social coexistence .
        Good day.

  2. prophettt Avatar
    prophettt

    Great, Instead of thinking of a modern electoral law based on equality and secularism,  so that we can have a true representation,We’re discussing an electoral law that would bring us back to stone ages.
    I think it was Abraham Lincoln who said : “Walk slow, but don’t walk Backward” ; Lebanese ,it seems ,always see a “DEAD END” sign ahead of them,so they are always walking backward .
    If each sect  is to elect its representatives, The very tribal system we have suffered so much from, will  officially tell Lebanese  that  they no longer  need their other fellow citizens from other sects.Soon we’d be discussing sectarian confederation. By far, it is the worst idea I have heard .

  3. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Great, Instead of coming up with a modern electoral law based on equality and secularism,  with the purpose of establishing a true representation,We’re discussing an electoral law that would bring us back to stone ages.
    If each sect  is to elect its representatives, The very tribal system we have suffered so much from, will  officially tell Lebanese  that  they no longer  need their other fellow citizens from other sects.Soon we’d be discussing sectarian confederation. By far, it is the worst idea I have heard .  

    1. Avatar
      Anonymous

      Could not have said it any better. 
      ( This is re post from an old commentary) Thanks for mother France for leaving the Lebanese with a doctrine that gives rights to protecting the so called each religion; in return the Lebanese believed this myth and ran with it. I suggest a solution, and might be naive, the former colonial power reoccupy Lebanon and recreate a new Democratic formula for so called fake country Lebanon.

      1. Avatar
        Anonymous

        So … 18 little countries with 18 little armies and 18 little airports and 18 little elections …
        And how about electricity? Who owns the water?

        1. Avatar
          Anonymous

          5th, You stated 18 mini states,but I know you ignored the secular and the atheists as if they don’t deserve a mini state.lol

        2. Avatar
          Anonymous

          5th, You stated 18 mini states,but I know you ignored the secular and the atheists as if they don’t deserve a mini state.lol

        3. Avatar
          Anonymous

          🙂 Ok Prophet … then make it 25, with a few empty extras for future aliens (in the snow perhaps).

        4. Avatar
          Anonymous

          5th, Mine as well make them 50 parties.lol, Beach front is fine with me,but no political debates there, please.
          No way of knowing if they ran it past the pope, but my guess is that the pope has more important things to worry about. Lebanese have to learn that the world does not rotate around Lebanon, God did create many millions of people beside Lebanese,Jesus has other children beside Lebanese Christians,and Prophet Mohammad has other followers beside the Lebanese Muslims.

        5. Avatar
          Anonymous

          5th, Mine as well make them 50 parties.lol, Beach front is fine with me,but no political debates there, please.
          No way of knowing if they ran it past the pope, but my guess is that the pope has more important things to worry about. Lebanese have to learn that the world does not rotate around Lebanon, God did create many millions of people beside Lebanese,Jesus has other children beside Lebanese Christians,and Prophet Mohammad has other followers beside the Lebanese Muslims.

        6. Avatar
          Anonymous

          5th, Don’t forget the poles …:)

    2. Avatar
      Anonymous

      Prophettt, The so called Orthodox law that was supported by most Maronite conservative politicians is simply designed to preserve their political power in a dysfunctional country as Lebanon. This is a classic case of “divide and conquer” that will breed more sectarianism then ever.

      Personally, I condemn this law as this would destroy any hope of  radical change.

      Take care Bro.

      1. Avatar
        Anonymous

        Totally agree. This would destroy what little is left of the national and social coexistence .
        Good day.

  4. prophettt Avatar
    prophettt

    It’s impossible to look forward and backward at the same time.

    1. Patience2 Avatar
      Patience2

      The Romans had this God … Janus … ?

      1. 5thDrawer Avatar
        5thDrawer

        Good reference Patience. Excellent.
         Janus early … The God of Beginnings … So, in tribute, they gave him January. 🙂
         He had 2 faces looking in different directions … forward and back / war & peace / good and bad / success or failure / etc.
         Later he acquired 4 heads for the 4 seasons.
        Imagine if we had only been satisfied with four ??
        But in January, Prophet, we still look at the year behind as well as into the year to come. If we see only crap in both directions … well, following example … the Romans had other Gods too. 🙂

  5. Avatar
    Anonymous

     CREATIVE USE OF POWER CABLES IN LEBANON.LOL

    1. Avatar
      Anonymous

      The Romans had this God … Janus … ?

      1. Avatar
        Anonymous

        Good reference Patience. Excellent.
         Janus early … The God of Beginnings … So, in tribute, they gave him January. 🙂
         He had 2 faces looking in different directions … forward and back / war & peace / good and bad / success or failure / etc.
         Later he acquired 4 heads for the 4 seasons.
        Imagine if we had only been satisfied with four ??
        But in January, Prophet, we still look at the year behind as well as into the year to come. If we see only crap in both directions … well, following example … the Romans had other Gods too. 🙂

  6. libnan1 Avatar
    libnan1

    The proposal can be a great thing, it will give all sects a pure representation in government. For example the Shouf 
    Christian MPs do not represent the Christians, as the vast majority prefer the Aounist over what we got now. I would go little further and create smaller districts so MPs are directly accountable to their constituents.  

    1. prophettt Avatar
      prophettt

      libnan1
      With all the flows that comes with a smaller district electoral law, I’d go with that, instead of the ultra-sectarian proposal which was  introduced  by the Orthodox Gathering ,and now endorsed by the Maronite Church and leaders.
      But a Proportional law might give us a better representation after all.

      1. libnan1 Avatar
        libnan1

        Prophett, This proposal should not be looked at as secularism. The basic understanding of election and representation should be MPs represent the people not the so called lists as it is now. At the present time and according to my calculations there are 23 Christian MPs who are elected in districts that not majority Christians. Therefore these MPs rarely represent the aspirations of the Christians in their district, these MPs support the head of the list they belong to not their constituents. Also the other big issue is where people live, example in the Shouf most Christians registered there don’t live in their villages but their share of MPs are elected by others.
        Solution: people should be counted where they reside not where they were born.   

        1. prophettt Avatar
          prophettt

          Habibi libnan, Considering the high level of sectarian politics played by our so called leaders, I can understand your concerns regarding the representations and the way it is being perceived by  Lebanese people from all sects. That being said, we should not accept this as the norm,but instead ,Lebanese should be able to realize that sectarian representation can not,and will not help build  a state where equality , justice ,freedom,democracy  ,and the aspiration of our children are realized,and lived.
          We can not be defending a system that proved over 60 some years to be nothing but failure.
          I do not want our children to define themselves as christian or shiia or sunni,but rather as Lebanese who happened to be whatever religion and sect they practice.
          I as a Lebanese would not want my representative to represent me as a shiia or  Maronite or what thave you.Yes,  a Lebanese  can and should be proud of what ever religion background he or she comes from,but that pride should not blind us or make us so narow minded to the point of being caught up with our own complications.
          At the end of day, Lebanese  suffer from the same problems regardless of what faith they practice. When electricity becomes a dream,and when poverty becomes a main stream problem,and when cost of medical treatment becomes impossible to  afford, it does not matter if a christian represented Christians or if a sunni represented a shiia .Having a shiia representing the district(all shiia) where I came from ,did not solve any of these issues.and having christian representing Christians(in your christian district)will not solve those issues either.It is a shame that we have no elctricity after 20 years since the civil war ended, It is a shame that our sewer system does not work, It is a shame we have no running water….ect. Please don’t take this as a criticism of this cabinet or that, but it is a problem with a dysfunctional system.I blame everyone.
          The bottom line is, we have a national identity problem,and it should be addressed . this proposal would divide us even further.
          I can go on and on with many examples to try to convince you of my views, but I will spare you the boring detail,since we all know them. I just think that we all have to start thinking outside of the box we are trapped in.
          Have a Good weekend.

    2. prophettt Avatar
      prophettt

      libnan1
      With all the flows that comes with a smaller district electoral law, I’d go with that, instead of the ultra-sectarian proposal which was  introduced  by the Orthodox Gathering ,and now endorsed by the Maronite Church and leaders.
      But a Proportional law might give us a better representation after all.

  7. Avatar
    Anonymous

    The proposal can be a great thing, it will give all sects a pure representation in government. For example the Shouf 
    Christian MPs do not represent the Christians, as the vast majority prefer the Aounist over what we got now. I would go little further and create smaller districts so MPs are directly accountable to their constituents.  

    1. Avatar
      Anonymous

      libnan1
      With all the flows that comes with a smaller district electoral law, I’d go with that, instead of the ultra-sectarian proposal which was  introduced  by the Orthodox Gathering ,and now endorsed by the Maronite Church and leaders.
      But a Proportional law might give us a better representation after all.

      1. Avatar
        Anonymous

        Prophett, This proposal should not be looked at as secularism. The basic understanding of election and representation should be MPs represent the people not the so called lists as it is now. At the present time and according to my calculations there are 23 Christian MPs who are elected in districts that not majority Christians. Therefore these MPs rarely represent the aspirations of the Christians in their district, these MPs support the head of the list they belong to not their constituents. Also the other big issue is where people live, example in the Shouf most Christians registered there don’t live in their villages but their share of MPs are elected by others.
        Solution: people should be counted where they reside not where they were born.   

        1. Avatar
          Anonymous

          Habibi libnan, Considering the high level of sectarian politics played by our so called leaders, I can understand your concerns regarding the representations and the way it is being perceived by  Lebanese people from all sects. That being said, we should not accept this as the norm,but instead ,Lebanese should be able to realize that sectarian representation can not,and will not help build  a state where equality , justice ,freedom,democracy  ,and the aspiration of our children are realized,and lived.
          We can not be defending a system that proved over 60 some years to be nothing but failure.T
          I do not want our children to define themselves as christian or shiia or sunni,but rather as Lebanese who happened to be whatever religion and sect they practice.
          I as a Lebanese would not want my representative to represent me as a shiia or  Maronite or what thave you.Yes,  a Lebanese  can and should be proud of what ever religion background he or she comes from,but that pride should not blind us or make us so narow minded to the point of being caught up with our own complications.
          At the end of day, Lebanese  suffer from the same problems regardless of what faith they practice. When electricity becomes a dream,and when poverty becomes a main stream problem,and when cost of medical treatment becomes affordable, it does not matter if a christian represented Christians or if a sunni represented a shiia .Having a shiia representing the district(all shiia) where I came from ,did not solve any of the issues.and having christian representing Christians(in your christian district)will not solve those issues either.
          The bottom line is, we have a national identity problem,and it should be addressed . this proposal would divide us even further.
          I can go on and on with many examples to try to convince you of my views, but I will spare you the boring detail,since we all know them. I just think that we all have to start thinking outside of the box we are trapped in.
          Have a Good weekend.

        2. Avatar
          Anonymous

          Habibi libnan, Considering the high level of sectarian politics played by our so called leaders, I can understand your concerns regarding the representations and the way it is being perceived by  Lebanese people from all sects. That being said, we should not accept this as the norm,but instead ,Lebanese should be able to realize that sectarian representation can not,and will not help build  a state where equality , justice ,freedom,democracy  ,and the aspiration of our children are realized,and lived.
          We can not be defending a system that proved over 60 some years to be nothing but failure.T
          I do not want our children to define themselves as christian or shiia or sunni,but rather as Lebanese who happened to be whatever religion and sect they practice.
          I as a Lebanese would not want my representative to represent me as a shiia or  Maronite or what thave you.Yes,  a Lebanese  can and should be proud of what ever religion background he or she comes from,but that pride should not blind us or make us so narow minded to the point of being caught up with our own complications.
          At the end of day, Lebanese  suffer from the same problems regardless of what faith they practice. When electricity becomes a dream,and when poverty becomes a main stream problem,and when cost of medical treatment becomes affordable, it does not matter if a christian represented Christians or if a sunni represented a shiia .Having a shiia representing the district(all shiia) where I came from ,did not solve any of the issues.and having christian representing Christians(in your christian district)will not solve those issues either.
          The bottom line is, we have a national identity problem,and it should be addressed . this proposal would divide us even further.
          I can go on and on with many examples to try to convince you of my views, but I will spare you the boring detail,since we all know them. I just think that we all have to start thinking outside of the box we are trapped in.
          Have a Good weekend.

  8. FadiAbboud Avatar
    FadiAbboud

    What social Co-existence.? what ever co-existence is present in Lebanon is barely hanging on by a thread.. when we have illegitimate weapons in the hands of Murderers who oppress their country’s citizens to mandate their rule of the land and continue to defy justice for their crimes.. co-existence becomes nonexistence 

  9. Avatar
    Anonymous

    What social Co-existence.? what ever co-existence is present in Lebanon is barely hanging on by a thread.. when we have illegitimate weapons in the hands of Murderers who oppress their country’s citizens to mandate their rule of the land and continue to defy justice for their crimes.. co-existence becomes nonexistence 

Leave a Reply