A voter casting her ballot in the ballot box at Kfar Remman, on May 22, 2016. (Credit: Samir Sabbagh/L'Orient-Le Jour)
How will voters in southern Lebanon cast their ballots in the municipal elections? This question is on everyone’s lips amid a particularly tense context. In addition to delays in rebuilding villages devastated by Israel’s military campaign in September, several areas in the south — especially border villages — continue to suffer daily strikes, despite the cease-fire reached in November. These conditions have raised serious concerns about the feasibility of holding the vote.But with election day approaching, Lebanese authorities remain resolute. “Postponing the elections is not an option,” Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar said. As a result, all scenarios are being considered, including setting up polling stations in areas deemed “safe,” to allow border area residents to vote.Ten days before the final round of municipal elections, scheduled...
How will voters in southern Lebanon cast their ballots in the municipal elections? This question is on everyone’s lips amid a particularly tense context. In addition to delays in rebuilding villages devastated by Israel’s military campaign in September, several areas in the south — especially border villages — continue to suffer daily strikes, despite the cease-fire reached in November. These conditions have raised serious concerns about the feasibility of holding the vote.But with election day approaching, Lebanese authorities remain resolute. “Postponing the elections is not an option,” Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar said. As a result, all scenarios are being considered, including setting up polling stations in areas deemed “safe,” to allow border area residents to vote.Ten days before the final round of municipal...
