Bou Saab Reveals FPM Agreement with Berri on Electoral Law

Education Minister Elias Bou Saab has revealed that an agreement has been reached between Rabieh and Ain el-Tineh over the electoral law, while noting that every group has the right to resort to street protests should it feel aggrieved.

“I have officially informed Speaker Berri, on behalf of General (Michel) Aoun, of the FPM's approval of the draft law that has been proposed by him, and he has also informed us of his agreement to the suggestion we have proposed, which means that we have agreed on two electoral laws,” Bou Saab told As Safir newspaper in remarks published Thursday.

Hizbullah backs the two draft laws, Bou Saab quoted Berri as saying.

“The ball is now in Mustaqbal's court, which should agree with Berri over the law seeing as that would facilitate a lot of things,” As Safir added.

Asked about Berri's warning that he might resort to “the power of the people” should the paralysis of state institutions continue, Bou Saab said “every group has the right to resort to its people should it feel aggrieved.”

“Perhaps Speaker Berri's supporters would join our supporters in defense of our rights, should the situation require street demonstrations,” he added.

“Let us stop political absurdity and commit to the Constitution. In the face of the forces that are continuing their coup against the political life, we will resort to the power of the people if needed,” Berri said in a speech on Wednesday.

He also reiterated his call for a so-called “package deal,” noting that an agreement over the presidency alone “would not be enough.”

“We should agree on an electoral law and on the formation of the next government, which would definitely allow the election of a president,” the speaker added.

“Proportional representation is the cure for our national diseases and it is the vehicle that can transport us to citizenship rather than isolation and bigotry,” he said, referring to the electoral law.