Lebanese expats vote in parliamentary elections
BEIRUT (AA): Lebanon’s parliamentary elections for expats kicked off on Friday. The voting has opened in 10 countries in the first phase: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan and Iran.
The second phase for the voting abroad, scheduled on Sunday, will take place in 48 other countries.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said the voting by Lebanese expats is “a very important step.” He hoped that the turnout will be as high as 70%.
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the election arrangements as “the largest logistical operation in Lebanon’s modern history.”
A total of 718 candidates are competing in the elections.
This is the second time in Lebanon’s history that Lebanese expats will cast their votes. The first time was in 2018.
Lebanon has been grappling with a severe economic crisis since late 2019, including a massive currency depreciation as well as fuel and medical shortages.