Twitter reacts as Lebanon's president suspends parliament for a month

On Wednesday, President Michel Aoun became the first Lebanese president to use power granted to him by article 59 of Lebanon's constitution to suspend the country's parliament from convening for one month.

The move averts crisis, at least for the time being, as it delays a controversial parliamentary session scheduled for Thursday, where lawmakers were set to extend their term for a third time since 2013.

Article 59 of the Lebanese constitution stipulates that "the  President of the Republic may adjourn the Chamber for a  period not exceeding one month. He may not do so twice during the same [parliamentary] session."

In a televised address to the nation, President Aoun said, "I decided to postpone the parliament's meeting by one month," adding that there would be no room for another extension "in the era of the revival of the state, its authorities and its institutions."

He had previously warned "of any attempts to extend the parliament's term," and said that the delay was aimed at giving politicians more time to reach an agreement on a new electoral law.

On Thursday, the President reassured visitors to the Presidential palace that the Lebanese will have a new electoral law soon, Annahar reported.

The president's move eased tensions in the country, as citizens and activists had been outraged at news of another possible extension. Many had also called for protests before news of Aoun's decision came out.

"We finally have a president who is in the news for something other than routine official meetings."

"They've been extending their own term for 4 years, what difference is this one month delay going to make?"

"President Aoun made a positive decision but it won't be complete until there is a new, just electoral law."