Lebanon: Polls closed in most polling stations (AFP)

Al Mayadeen correspondents reported the closure of most polling stations in Lebanese electoral districts. From seven morning, voters flocked to elect a new parliament, in all governorates, amid strict security measures taken by the army and internal security forces.

In these legislative elections, which take place every 4 years, 103 electoral lists comprising 718 candidates distributed over 15 electoral districts, are competing to choose 128 deputies in Parliament.

After the polls closed, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati thanked the Lebanese security forces for their keenness to complete the electoral process, wishing that "the elections will produce a new parliament to extricate Lebanon from its current crisis."

Mikati added during a press conference that "the voting rates exceeded 50% in a number of Lebanese districts," noting that the Minister of Interior Bassam Mawlawi asked the polling stations to allow all the voters remaining inside to cast their votes.

The Lebanese Prime Minister stressed that "what happened is an achievement in every sense of the word, and a great victory for the Lebanese state and its citizens," stressing that "the state has fully fulfilled its duty."

Until 5 pm, voters turnout was still increasing, with the turnout by 5 o'clock reaching the following numbers:

Beirut I: 26.53%, Beirut II: 28.21%

Mt. Lebanon I: 44.71%, Mt. Lebanon II: 33.48%, Mt. Lebanon III: 29.70%, Mt. Lebanon IV: 35.7%

South I: 32.45%, South II: 31.72%, South III: 23.98%.

North I: 26.80%, North II, 22.09%, North III: 31.70%.

Bekaa I: 31.20%, Bekaa II: 26%, Bekaa III: 39.83%.

Polling stations had opened at 7 am Sunday morning before Lebanese voters who flocked to elect a new parliament, amid strict security measures.

During his rounds on polling stations in Beirut, Interior Minister Bassam Al-Mawlawi said he will be transparent on all violations.

He further added that the count will take place at night at the Palace of Justice.

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun said after he cast his vote that citizens cannot be neutral in an issue as essential as choosing one's system of rule, wishing that all Lebanese cast their votes today.