Thousands of army and police forces deployed near polling stations and on major intersections across the country to ensure security. As Hariri entered a public school in Beirut to vote, a woman in a wheelchair complained that polling stations were not equipped for disabled voters. “When we see what is happening in countries around us and Lebanon is holding democratic elections, this shows that Lebanon is fine,” Hariri said after waiting in line around 20 minutes to cast his ballot. Leading Hezbollah legislator Ali Ammar defended his group’s involvement in Syria, saying it protected Lebanon from the “evil powers” of the Islamic State group and al-Qaida. There are about 3.6 million eligible voters, and early results are expected after polling stations close at 7 p.m. (1600 GMT).

Source: National Post May 06, 2018 04:10 UTC