REPORT: Poor voter turnout in Beirut municipal polls

Polls opened Sunday morning in Beirut for municipal and mokhtar elections, with three lists competing for the votes of the citizens of the capital.

The lists are: the “Beirutis’” political list, “Beirut Madinati” (Beirut is My City) and “Mouwatinoun wa Mouwatinat fi Dawla” (citizens within a state) from the civil society movement.

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Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq stressed that the electoral process is taking place peacefully; noting that this day is a step forward towards democracy, while priority remains for the issue of the presidential elections.

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri voted for the "Beirutis List," noting that “today is a democratic day for Beirut.”

After casting his ballot at Shakib Arslan School in Verdun, Hariri hoped that this election will pave the way ​for the parliamentary and presidential elections, pointing out that the absence of Hezbollah from the "Beirutis List" is an added point for Beirut.

In turn, Prime Minister Tammam Salam casted his ballot at al-Maqased school in Aisha Bakkar and said “this is a national moment par excellence that embodies a democratic practice allowing the Lebanese people to vote.”

In this regard, Salam hoped that this electoral process will reflect on other practices, mainly the presidential elections, stressing that he supports the city of Beirut and its residents and calling on all Beirutis to exercise their democratic right.

He also praised the major role played by Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq and his team in making it possible to hold the municipal and mokhtar elections.

Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Abdel Latif Darian said after casting his vote in Beirut that the competition in this elections is a sound democratic sign, calling on all the people to exercise this tight to take part in the electoral process peacefully and calmly.

In turn, Tourism Minister Michel Faraon called on all the people to vote for the "Beirutis List," noting that there is chance for this list to correct the defect existent in the previous councils.

For his part, head of the “Beirutis list” Jamal Itani said that eliminating the political parties is an abolition of a great part of the Beiruti society, pointing out that this list has a chance to prove agreement is possible during elections.​

Member of the Kataeb Party MP Nadim Gemayel called on the citizens to vote, stressing that his party supports the “Beirutis list” and the agreement reached in Beirut.

"Beirut Madinati" candidate Ahmad Kaabour noted that “this electoral silence represents the stance of the Lebanese people before the political class,” adding that today is Beirut’s glorious day.

For her part, Nadine Labaki, who is candidate for the same list, urged all the voters to partake in the elections and seize the historic chance to change the fate of the capital.

 

In a press conference, "Beirut Madinati" List said, "We have documented several violations during the electoral process and we reiterate our call for all citizens to cast their votes."