Joint parliamentary committees convened on Monday to discuss a series of crucial legislative matters, with the primary focus on a proposed electoral law that would establish a single electoral district for the country. The draft law, introduced by MP Ali Hassan Khalil, has sparked considerable debate within parliamentary blocs. 

Following the session, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Elias Bou Saab, addressed concerns raised by various lawmakers. He explained that the Parliament itself sets the agenda for such sessions, noting that all political factions had understood and accepted this principle. Bou Saab also underscored the urgency of beginning discussions on electoral law amendments, emphasizing that delaying these debates could later provide a pretext to postpone Lebanon’s scheduled parliamentary elections.

In line with suggestions made by Kataeb Party leader, MP Samy Gemayel, Bou Saab clarified that the committees had considered a proposal for both parliamentary and Senate elections. He acknowledged some critics’ claims that the proposal was an attempt to circumvent established procedures, but he rejected these accusations, stressing that the discussions were legitimate and necessary.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted the importance of steering discussions in the right direction to avoid any further calls for extending the current parliament’s mandate.

"We must ensure that laws are presented to the committees for thorough examination," he said, calling for a structured approach to the electoral reforms.

Bou Saab also revealed that a decision had been made to delay a final decision on the proposed electoral law amendments. Instead, a specialized subcommittee will be formed to conduct an in-depth review of the proposed changes, as proposed by Gemayel. 

While the session deferred decisions on two draft laws related to the Red Cross, lawmakers did approve a proposal to establish decentralized economic zones, aimed specifically at fostering technological industries.