The municipal and mayoral elections began at 7:00 a.m. today in the North and Akkar governorates, amidst a calm atmosphere and tight security measures. Ballot boxes opened for voters to cast their ballots to elect their representatives in the municipal and mayoral councils.
Lebanese president, General Joseph Aoun, arrived at the Internal Security Forces operations room to monitor the start of the second round of municipal and mayoral elections in the North and Akkar governorates.
He said, “We must commend the performance of the security forces and hope that the voter turnout will be high today. The municipal elections are developmental, not political. This is a message to both domestic and foreign audiences that the Lebanese state is back on the right track.”
He added, “The success of the municipal and mayoral elections will give a positive impression abroad of the state’s determination to complete all constitutional requirements on time.”
President Aoun praised “the efforts of the Ministry of Interior and all security forces, as well as the Ministry of Justice’s support for the completion of the first phase of the municipal and mayoral elections,” expressing his satisfaction with “the preparedness today and in the next two phases in Beirut, the Bekaa, and the South.” President Aoun stressed “the need to combat bribery and violations swiftly and decisively,” noting “the role of the media in helping to expose the violations that occur.”
For his part, Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ahmed Hajjar announced from the ministry that “the electoral process began smoothly and calmly in all polling stations, and minor issues were addressed.” He reiterated his call to “citizens and stakeholders not to violate the laws and not to be lenient with any violations.” He also called on everyone to “turn out to vote to exercise this democratic right after nine years of waiting.” He emphasized that “there have been no security incidents so far, and I hope this day will be peaceful.” He noted that “a case of bribery has been detected by the State Security Service and is being investigated under the supervision of the judiciary.”
The Ministry of Interior announced that voter turnout in the North, as of 9:20 a.m., was 2.25% in Akkar, 0.57% in Tripoli, 2.06% in Zgharta, 1.39% in Bcharre, 1.80% in Minieh-Danniyeh, 2.10% in Koura, and 4.11% in Batroun.
The Ministry also recorded 112 complaints, including 99 administrative complaints, 10 complaints via social media and the media, and 3 security complaints.
Source: Agencies and Al-Manar English Website
