Gemayel pushes for electoral overhaul, supports Senate creation

MTV Lebanon

24-03-2025

Lebanese Kataeb Party leader and Member of Parliament Samy Gemayel voiced strong reservations about the electoral law proposals currently under discussion in the parliament. Speaking following a session of the joint parliamentary committees, Gemayel raised concerns over the new draft law proposed by MP Ali Hassan Khalil, which suggests adopting Lebanon as a single electoral district and introduces a mechanism for electing a Senate.
In comments made from Parliament, Gemayel noted that there are several electoral law proposals on the table, including one presented by the Kataeb Party itself. The Kataeb proposal calls for the adoption of a "one person, one vote" system with single-member districts.
According to Gemayel, all electoral law proposals should be considered within a subcommittee framework, rather than allowing only one proposal to dominate the agenda. He stressed that the current system had significant flaws and needed improvement.
"We proposed the formation of a subcommittee to examine all electoral draft laws. We were the only parliamentary bloc to vote against the current law from the start. It is crucial that we study all proposals thoroughly in order to enhance the representation mechanism," he said, stressing that the Kataeb Party would consider other proposals positively and constructively, as long as they contribute to improving the electoral process.
Another major topic under discussion is the establishment of a Lebanese Senate, an idea which Gemayel has shown support for, but only within a broader constitutional reform framework.
"The issue of the Senate cannot be addressed in isolation," Gemayel argued.
"We do not yet know its powers or how it will relate to Parliament and the Cabinet. Introducing such a constitutional institution must come as part of a larger constitutional process, where the topic can be discussed thoroughly and transparently."
He further clarified that the Kataeb Party supports the creation of a Senate, but only if it is part of a wider constitutional overhaul.
Regarding expatriate voting, Gemayel reiterated the need for Lebanese citizens living abroad to vote for all 128 Members of Parliament, not just six. He rejected the idea of isolating the diaspora from the rest of Lebanon's electoral process.
"Expatriates should remain connected to their villages and vote for the whole Parliament, as was the case previously," he said. "We hope that this proposal will be added to the agenda and passed as a separate measure."
Gemayel also criticized the dual-preferential voting system, which would allow voters to cast two votes for different candidates within their district. He argued that this system would only create more complications and exacerbate existing issues with the current electoral system.
"This is not the kind of reform we are seeking. The second preferential vote will make the representation problem worse. That's why we are advocating for a single-member district system," Gemayel explained.
He also addressed the "megacenter" proposal, a technical measure designed to make voting easier for expatriates and those living in remote areas. Gemayel clarified that the megacenter proposal falls under the government's responsibilities, as it deals with electoral processes and does not require new legislation.
"This is a technical matter that should be handled by the government," he said.
Turning to the idea of Lebanon as a single electoral district, Gemayel rejected the proposal, arguing that it would undermine Lebanon's regional representation and contradict the Taif Agreement, which forms the basis of Lebanon's political system.
"The idea of a single electoral district goes against the very logic of our political system," he said.
Gemayel concluded by emphasizing the importance of upholding legislative work, while reaffirming that Lebanon's top priority is to restore its sovereignty and limit arms possession to the state. He pointed to these goals as the key to achieving true stability in the country.
"This is the primary and absolute priority. But that does not mean we should stop working on other pressing issues, including electoral reform, at the same time," he said.