October 29, 2026
The political and parliamentary debate continues in Lebanon over the “Lebanese Forces” party’s proposal to shorten the term of the House of Representatives and advance the date of the parliamentary elections, amid differences in opinions regarding the constitutional and legal mechanisms for carrying out the election early, against the backdrop of the circumstances that led to the extension of the current Parliament.
In this context, MP Ihab Matar explained, in a statement to Lebanon Debate, that the current extension of the Council – despite his personal rejection of it – came as a result of exceptional circumstances imposed by the circumstances surrounding the country, with the aim of providing the opportunity to create a calm atmosphere prior to the call for elections.
Matar stressed that the extension law did not specify May 2028 as the exclusive date for holding the elections, considering that the “Lebanese Forces” proposal represents a step to “commit what is not necessary,” considering that the Ministry of the Interior has the authority to call for eligibility within the constitutional and legal deadlines whenever the circumstances become appropriate.
He expressed his hope that the atmosphere would improve as soon as possible to hold elections, stressing his adherence to the necessity of regular constitutional work and the renewal of authority on the basis of efficiency, and stressing the importance of the right of citizens to express their choices every four years to change the political scene in line with their aspirations.
Matar concluded by warning that the current reality is considered bad and inappropriate as a result of the accumulation of political extensions witnessed at several electoral stations in recent years, in addition to the continued extension of confidence to the same figures and parties for more than 40 years, stressing the necessity of respecting constitutional deadlines and enabling voters to renew their choices.
