Constitutional Council three council members shy of quorum

The Constitutional Council was three council members shy of a quorum to discuss the report today (Tuesday) prepared by the Council's head Judge Issam Sleiman in regards to the two appeals submitted by President Michel Sleiman and the Change and Reform bloc against the extension of parliament's mandate.

The Lebanese Constitutional Council was established in 1994 and came as a direct result of the Taif accord.

The Council is entrusted to supervise the constitutionality of laws along with electoral appeals and the examination of conflicts arising from elections.

On Friday the 31st of May, 97 parliamentarians ratified a law to extend the current parliament's mandate until the 20th of November 2014.

The session was held amid the discontent of several civil society groups who gathered before Nejmeh Square pelting lawmakers with tomatoes in protest of the decision.

The Free Patriotic Movement boycotted the session, announcing that they would file an appeal to the Constitutional Council.

Similarly, President Michel Sleiman also vowed to fight the said law, citing its unconstitutionality as the main reason behind his move.