DAILY SCOPE: Second Round of Elections Successful, Officials Urge Soon Parliamentary Elections Local Editor

Local Editor

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Lebanese newspapers on Monday discussed the second round of municipal and mayoral elections that were held on Sunday in Mount Lebanon district, which witnessed several alliances and a high turnout in the results.

AS-SAFIR: Second Round of Municipal Elections Successful

As-Safir newspaper on Monday said that "The increase in weather temperatures did not hamper the electoral process or prevent the vital participation of the people in the Mount Lebanon elections, which reached 56 percent."

The paper pointed out that the interaction of the people in Mount Lebanon is a result of a few elements, including the current political motivations, the family alliances and the longing of the people for democracy. Moreover, the paper went on to say that the success in the second round of the municipal and mayoral elections comes as proof that the parliamentary extension is not justifiable, and that despite the difficult circumstances the Lebanese were ready to go through the democratic process with the help of the concerned apparatuses, adding that the only missing factor is the political decision for the parliamentary elections to take place.

Voters headed to the polls in the Christian, Druze, and Shiite Mount Lebanon regions - which includes the suburbs of the capital and its mountainous surroundings. The turnout in Mount Lebanon was relatively high, according to official figures released by the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities. In a statement issued by the Lebanese ministry, votes have reached 34 percent at 3:00 p.m. in Mount Lebanon.

Polling stations opened Sunday morning before 834,768 voters amid strict security measures by the Internal Security Forces and the Lebanese army. Elections in around 20 municipalities have already been decided by acclamation; however battles took place in key areas such as Jounieh, Sin al-Fil, Baabda, Hadath, Ghobeiri and others.

Similar elections are planned for the South Lebanon and Nabatieh governorates on May 22 and the North Lebanon and Akkar governorates on May 29.

AN-NAHAR: Berri Receives Positive Signs on Parliamentary Elections

An-Nahar newspaper pointed out on Monday that Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri seems to be preparing the ground for the parliamentary elections to take place soon, as he intends to discuss the matter in the parliamentary session this Wednesday.

Sources said that Berri has received positive signs from more than one source, supporting his suggestion that the parliamentary elections should be held after a new and modern electoral law is set up. Sources also said that Berri suggested that the members of the dialogue table should guarantee that they will elect a president after that.

AL-LIWAA: Salam Urges Parliamentary Elections As Soon As Possible

Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam told al-Liwaa newspaper on Monday that the elections proved to be a democratic process with a high turnout, despite the few complaints and criticisms. According to the paper, Salam hoped that the municipal and mayoral elections would be an introduction to parliamentary and presidential elections in the country, urging for parliamentary elections as soon as possible.

It is worth noting that the current parliament's term will end in ten months. The joint parliamentary committees have been holding regular meetings to zero in the number of electoral draft-laws before referring a few over to parliament.

Parliament extended its own term twice, once in 2013 and again in 2014. Legislative elections were supposed to take place in 2013, however the absence of an electoral system alternative to the 1960s law and the unstable security situation in the country at the time were given as reasons by most MPs to extend their own terms.

Source: al-Ahed News