Lawmakers Headed toward Showdown over Election-Related Issues … Likely to Be Fruitless Anyhow
A Parliament session set for Thursday is likely to witness a showdown between the majority and minority over election-related issues particularly that of lowering voting age to 18.
For even if Parliament passes this law, it would be impossible to implement it given the short period ahead of legislative elections scheduled for June 7.
The changes will not take effect in time for the upcoming elections since voters” lists have already been drawn up and there will be no time to enter, edit and revise any new names.
The age group 18, however, will be able to vote at the next municipality elections in 2010.
The same applies to a draft proposal by Gen. Michel Aoun”s Reform and Change bloc for compensating for the differences in the pay scale which calls for the allocation of LL 400 billion of state funds in this manner.
Finance Minister Mohammed Shatah criticized the proposal. However, he assured beneficiaries that differences would be paid with or without state budget approval.
The daily An Nahar on Wednesday quoted a ministerial source as saying that the cost of approving this law is estimated at $ 600 million annually.
This requires the search for alternative resources to pay the cost of salary increases, according to the source.
Speaker Nabih Berri described as "important" Thursday”s session "because it addresses a vital issue for young people."
"Lawmakers will face a test (Thursday) regarding this age group," Berri told An Nahar.
"There is no need for concern from the sectarian point of view," Berri assured "since Lebanese expatriates are going to be given the right to vote."
Hizbullah, for its part, voiced support for lowering the voting age, saying approval of the law would be an "achievement for all young Lebanese."
Samir Geagea”s Lebanese Forces, however, expressed reservations over the issue, saying it is measuring the question in terms of having "a comprehensive and well-balanced game."
Meanwhile, State Minister Khaled Qabbani said in remarks published by An Nahar on Wednesday that it would "be impossible" to benefit from approving lowering the minimum voting age to18 during the upcoming elections.
The pro-opposition Al-Akhbar newspaper quoted several MPs from the March 8 coalition as accusing the majority March 14 Forces of trying to spoil Thursday”s session by ensuring lack of quorum.