Lebanese parliament approves election law

Quickly, as expected, without amendments worthy to be mentioned and in two short sessions held in one day, in an intensive parliamentary presence and the absence of warm welcome, the general commission of the Lebanese Parliament on Wednesday approved the new election law with a majority of 81 and the opposition of 17 parliament members, while four parliamentarians abstained from voting.

The law was opposed by former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and his bloc. It was also opposed by Najah Wakim and Nasib Lahoud, who says that the new law is suspect.

However, the law which has been debated by the Lebanese political and parliamentary circles and divides Lebanon into 14 electoral districts was quickly approved by the Cabinet as well as by the general commission of the Parliament.

The law, despite some concern, is considered a "reconciliatory" law that was approved by the majority on the grounds that it is necessary in the extraordinary conditions Lebanon passes.