Lebanon could postpone parliamentary elections amid international pressure

A postponement of Lebanon's parliamentary elections - currently scheduled for 10 May - is looking increasingly likely, after Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri revealed that the ambassadors from the five-member committee supporting Lebanon's ceasefire are in favour of extending the current parliament.

As well as international pressure, internal factors have also made a postponement likely, including the dispute over expatriate voting and the general lack of preparedness for election campaigns.

Sources who spoke to The New Arab's Arabic-language sister site, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, said that President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Nabih Berri have been advised by international partners - primarily the United States - to postpone the elections. According to the sources, not all five members of the committee are supporting a postponement.

Lebanon's international partners believe that elections would not significantly alter the composition of Lebanon's parliament, with regional developments also making the timing of the election unsuitable.

Furthermore, there is a perception that Beirut must first focus on implementing its plan to monopolise control of arms in the country - a plan which would see militant group Hezbollah disarmed.

There is also a preference for Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government to remain in place, particularly as he is committed to implementing the plan to monopolise weapons, and there is a degree of international satisfaction with his performance and the current government's composition.

Sources close to Berri told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that "there ais re advice coming from abroad to postpone the elections for a short period, in connection with developments in Lebanon and the region, but Lebanon's official position is unified on the necessity of holding the elections on time".

Earlier this month, Berri - a Shia leader allied with Hezbollah - insisted that the elections would not be postponed.

"It is not permissible that, at the start of a new era, we obstruct its launch by disrupting, postponing or extending the most important constitutional entitlement, which is the foundation for forming authorities and producing political life," Berri said.

Postponing the election would require a law extending the term of the house, a constitutional law expert told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, as it is contrary to the constitution.