Mired in crises, Lebanese begin voting for new parliament

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Polls have opened in Lebanon for the election of a new parliament. The voting is taking place against the backdrop of a devastating economic meltdown that has plunged the majority of the nation into poverty.

Mainstream political parties and politicians remained strong going into the vote, while opposition figures and civil society activists hoping to unseat them are fractured. Lebanese parties have long relied on a system that encourages voters to cast ballots in return for favors and individual benefits.

Some 718 candidates on 103 lists are running for seats in the 128-member parliament. The vote is held once every four years. In 2018, voters gave the powerful Hezbollah and its allies the majority with 71 seats. Western-backed mainstream parties are hoping to strip the parliamentary majority from Hezbollah, while many independents are hoping to break through traditional party lists and candidates.

After the election results are out, the government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati will become a caretaker Cabinet until the president calls for consultations with the new parliament members, who choose the next premier.The new parliament will also elect a new head of state after President Michel Aoun’s six-year term expires at the end of October.

 

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Wonderful choices on offer. All corrupt, apart from some honest independents who aren’t even appearing on the ballots. As rigged as it can get.

Another country the U.S. has sanctioned. sanction is abuse of people, not government officials

And once again there will be no change to Hezbollah being so ingrained in Lebanese government acting like a cancer that has hollowed out that nation for decades. The Lebanese allow this to happen because Jews have the temerity to exist free in their own country.

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