Municipal by-elections in 40 Lebanese towns Kicked off on Sunday in order to elect 37 municipal councils, as Interior Minister praised the vote as democratic.

Municipal by-elections in 40 Lebanese towns Kicked off on Sunday in order to elect 37 municipal councils, as Interior Minister praised the vote as democratic.

Poll stations across the country opened at 7:00 am (local timing) and they are due to close at 7:00 pm.

The elections in the two towns of Baqatouta, in Keserwan, and Shawagheer, in Hermel, were delayed.
Meanwhile, 20 councils have won uncontested.

For his part, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel hailed the vote saying it was going in a democratic manner.
“This is the first time in years that municipal by-elections take place”, the minister said during a press conference.

“Elections taking place in a democratic manner and no security incident has been reported”, Charbel noted adding that he would visit some towns during the day.
The minister also hoped that the Lebanese politicians would reach soon an agreement over the electoral law.