Mashnouq: Lebanese Proved that They Deserve Freedom and Democracy

Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq announced Sunday that “the Lebanese proved that they deserve freedom and democracy," after polls closed in the first round of Lebanon's municipal and mayoral elections that were held Sunday in Beirut and the eastern Bekaa Valley -- the first vote of any kind in Lebanon since the last municipal polls in 2010.

"The elections were held in a largely peaceful atmosphere," Mashnouq said at a press conference, adding that the ministry received 650 complaints, which included four shooting incidents and 20 minor security incidents.

“The Lebanese proved that they deserve freedom and democracy and that they are ready for the upcoming junctures,” he added.

Mashnouq noted that “the most beautiful polling station" he visited on Sunday was in the northeastern border town of Arsal, whose residents “face several accusations.”

“They expressed their joy in the presence of the State,” he said.

Separately, Mashnouq said “one person was arrested on charges of vote buying in Zahle” and that “authorities are following up on a list of individuals suspected of paying electoral bribes in some areas."

"Voter turnout was low in Beirut but higher than that recorded in 2010," he said.

The Interior Ministry later announced that voter turnout was 20.14% in Beirut and 49.02% in the Bekaa.

Earlier on Sunday, Mashnouq said that the electoral process was "going well" and voiced hope that the elections would pave way for the election of a president.

“The voting process is going smoothly in Beirut and Bekaa. Today is one step forward but the real ceremony is when a president is elected,” said Mashnouq after touring some polling stations in the capital.

He urged for a good turnout and voiced calls on the citizens to vote in favor of the list they believe in.

The four-stage municipal elections started in Beirut and Bekaa-al-Hermel districts on May 8, while the elections in Mount Lebanon will be held on May 15.

Elections in south Lebanon and Nabatieh are set for May 22 and north Lebanon and Akkar for May 29.

Y.R./D.A.