Voters in Lebanon were casting their ballots on Sunday in crucial parliamentary elections. The vote was held under tight security with the army and police deployed throughout the country to secure the safety of the voters.
According to Nahar, Lebanon's President Michel Suleiman cast his vote in Amsheet at around 8:30 am. "I call on all citizens to exercise their democratic role quietly and happily," he stated. "The president backs all candidates…we have to preserve democracy."
A close fight is is projected for the 128-seat parliament, with predictions that the Hizbullah-led opposition will be strengthened. Saad Hariri, one of the leading coalition leaders, said after voting: "Today is the wedding of democracy and of Lebanon. I call for massive turnout in elections."
Early unofficial results were expected late Sunday and official results as early as Monday afternoon.
© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
