Lebanon Votes: Polls Open Amid Heavy Security Presence

Polling stations have opened across various electoral centers, marking the beginning of the electoral process in Lebanese regions, amidst security reinforcements and the deployment of 80,000 personnel surrounding and within the polling centers throughout Lebanon. Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi announced that security forces are prepared to secure the elections, emphasizing that "voting is a duty and a right, and boycotting does not benefit Lebanon or any party or group." He urged Lebanese citizens to participate actively and not to boycott. In the parliamentary elections, 103 election lists compete, featuring 718 candidates distributed across 15 electoral districts to choose 128 members of parliament.