Report: Delay to Line-Up Cabinet Threatens Upcoming Parliamentary Elections
The delay in lining up a cabinet as the result of wrangling over specific ministerial portfolios, raises fears about the fate of a new electoral law that is supposed to be agreed among political parties in order to hold the parliamentary elections slated for May, al-Joumhouria daily said on Monday.
Several political parties are adamant to be given certain portfolios in the new government which is hampering the efforts of PM-designate Saad Hariri to form one. The daily questioned the motives behind the unwavering positions and said that it raises fears as for the fate of the electoral law and the parliamentary elections that are supposed to be held in May.
No positive developments were recorded in the past hours at the formation level, but the efforts are expected to resume to tackle several hurdles including key portfolios, mainly the public works ministry which is an issue of wrangling between Speaker Nabih Berri and the Lebanese Forces, added the daily.
Furthermore, the Marada Movement is still insisting on one of three key portfolios -- public works, energy or telecommunications.
Amending the current election law which divides seats among the different religious sects is a subject of conflict among Lebanon's political parties. The current parliament has failed to amend the law, and has extended its mandate twice amid criticism.
New elections are scheduled for May 2017.
Source: Naharnet
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