Controversy over the potential date of parliamentary elections has spread among political parties, after Prime Minister, Ibrahim Mahlab announced Friday that the first phase of the elections might be conducted before Ramadan. While some parties support the potential date announced by Mahlab, others have opposed it, calling for it to be postponed to avoid any possible lack of integrity. Secretary General of Al Tagammu party, Magdy Chrabieh expressed his deep support to Mahlab's suggestion as it would allow the second phase to be conducted after the Islamic Eid Al Fitr, which will accelerate the completion of the final step in the country's roadmap. He stressed that conducting the second stage of the elections after Eid Al Fitr would represent an obstacle for the participating parties, as the law gives 21 days for the parties to launch their campaigns and if the law was amended; the parties will have two months, which is enough time to launch their campaigns. Head of Al Karama party, Mohamed Sami expressed his objection on conducting the first phase of the elections before Ramadan, as it overlaps with the date of high schools' exams and the beginning of the Islamic holy month, which is known for its shortened days. Sami stressed that if the elections are held in Ramadan, it will be destined to fail, adding that it would be much better to hold it after Eid Al Fitr.
