Lebanon: reinforced security measures in anticipation of the legislative elections

Nearly 25,000 army soldiers and 15,000 police began to deploy this Saturday in Lebanon in anticipation of the legislative elections on Sunday, May 15.

Here in the streets of Beirut, May 14, 2022. AFP - LOUAI BESHARA

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

Important security measures have been taken in Lebanon to ensure the smooth running, this Sunday, May 15, of the legislative elections deemed crucial for the future of the country.

Lebanon is hit by the worst economic crisis in its history, coupled with a political blockage which prevents the adoption of reforms called for by the international community to release vital aid to the land of cedars. 

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With our correspondent in Beirut

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Nearly 25,000 army soldiers and 15,000 police began to deploy in Lebanon on Saturday ahead of Sunday's legislative elections.

Convoys of armored vehicles were seen in all Lebanese regions in anticipation of this deployment.

The army is in charge of security outside the polling stations, while the police guard the entrances.

A military source told RFI that security measures will be exceptionally reinforced in Tripoli, the country's second city, and in certain regions of northern Lebanon, where the risk of incidents seems higher than elsewhere.

#LebaneseArmy pic.twitter.com/izNqyPtwitter

— الجيش اللبناني (@LebarmyOfficial) May 14, 2022

Syrian refugees urged to limit their movements

Still in view of the elections, all access to the Palestinian refugee camps will be closed from Saturday evening until Monday, May 16 in the morning.

This unusual decision was announced by the Palestine Liberation Organization, responsible for the security of the twelve camps in Lebanon, which since 1948 have housed some 200,000 refugees.

The Ministry of the Interior also banned the circulation of motorbikes on election day.

This measure is particularly aimed at Syrian refugees who often use this means of travel.

The Syrians have also been invited by the municipalities of the localities where they reside to limit their movements on polling day.

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• Lebanon