Blog
Myriam Dalal

Parliament Postpones Elections until 2014

Pretty sure this will come as a shock to no one…

Parliament voted on Friday to postpone elections until November 20, 2014.

A reported 97 out of 128 deputies voted to approve extending their term, which was expected to expire on June 20, for another 15 months. Meanwhile, activists outside demonstrated against the decision. Members of the Union of the Lebanese Democratic Youth (UDLY) shouted at the politicians: “Go home, to save the country.”

LBC News reported that some activists even threw tomatoes at convoys as they made their way to Nejmeh Square for the vote.

In one video posted on YouTube Friday afternoon, a car is seen approaching the entrance of parliament, but is then forced to reverse and leave the area after protesters effectively prevented the vehicle from going further.

President Michel Sleiman was against the decision to extend elections and has been quoted as saying that he would rather hold parliamentary elections under the controversial 1960 law than extend its term, according to the Daily Star newspaper.

Better luck next time, Mr. President.