Hariri after casting his vote: Lebanon election 'big democratic event'

BEIRUT - 6 May 2018: Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Sunday cast his vote in the Lebanese parliamentary election, terming it a "big democratic event".

In statements in Beirut, Hariri called on all Lebanese people to take part in the polls to achieve the best interests of the country. Holding elections after nine years of political instability is a good move in itself.

"I performed my electoral duty and cast my vote like any patriotic Lebanese,” he told reporters at a polling station in the Shakib Arslan School in Beirut.

“I think that if we look at what is happening around us and how Lebanon is holding democratic elections, we see that the country is fine." he said.

“Every Lebanese citizen should vote to perform his national duty.”

When asked whether he has security concerns after the election results are announced, Hariri said: “There is no fear.”

More than 3.6 million people are eligible to vote in the one-day election.

As the polls opened on Sunday morning, some 583 candidates were on the ballot papers for the 128-strong parliament of Lebanon, which is divided equally between Muslims and Christians.