BEIRUT: Thousands of vote boxes have been distributed around Lebanon ahead of Sunday's much-anticipated parliamentary elections. According to reports, thousands of soldiers have been posted around polling locations to ensure a smooth electoral process and maintain peace and security throughout the elections. 

"The security situation is under control," Minister of Interior and Municipalities Bassam Mawlawi stated late Saturday night. "A tight security plan has been devised to ensure the protection of centres and the integrity of the electoral process."

There are 718 people competing for the 128-seat Lebanese Parliament, including 118 women. The first round of voting for Lebanese Diasporas began on May 6 in nine Arab nations and Iran, while the second round began on May 8 in 49 places across Asia, Africa, and Europe, ahead of Sunday's vote.

Sunni and Shia Muslims, numerous Christian groups, and the Druze all have members in Lebanon's Parliament, thanks to the country's sectarian power-sharing arrangement.  The president must always be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister must always be a Sunni, and the Speaker of Parliament must always be a Shia.

The elections take place against the backdrop of a historic economic catastrophe that began around three years ago, causing the currency to lose more than 90% of its value since 2019, and putting over 70% of the population in poverty.

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