Now Lebanon - Mikati calls for “fair” electoral law, November 2, 2011

During Tuesday’s cabinet session, Prime Minister Najib Mikati said it is important to achieve an electoral law that reflects a “fair parliamentary” representation and which strengthens democracy and modernizes Lebanon’s electoral system, Minister of Information Walid Daouq reported.
Following the cabinet session, Daouq told reporters that Mikati said the 2009 parliamentary elections reflected “some defects” that must not be replicated.
“Even though no [electoral] system will be perfect… It is important to achieve an electoral law with broad support,” Mikati reportedly said.
Daouq also quoted Mikati as saying it is important to act quickly “but not be hasty” in approving the new electoral law, adding that as of mid-November, the cabinet will convene “almost daily” to discuss both the electoral law and the 2012 state budget.
After the parliament agreed on drafting a law based on proportional representation, some parties rejected the draft law and called for renewing the 2009 electoral law, which is based on simple majority representation.
The cabinet, which convened at the Baabda Presidential Palace, also approved to separate parliamentary seats from ministerial posts, reported Daouq. Under the new constitution draft law, which will be later discussed by the cabinet, it would no longer be possible for an individual to be both a member of parliament and a cabinet minister.
According to the minister, President Michel Sleiman congratulated the Palestinians on their attainment of full UNESCO membership and commended Arab supporters of the initiative.
Sleiman said that he is against “double standards when practicing democracy,” and voiced hope that countries which support democracy adopt a single standard in the Middle East region, the information minister added.
“The president called on the international community…to pressure [Israel to] end its hostile policy and engage in peace initiatives.”
On Monday, UNESCO granted the Palestinians full membership in the organization.