Beirut: Lebanese citizens 'voting for change'

Sally Abou AlJoud has been talking to voters in the Lebanese capital Beirut, where anger and apathy have been driving forces in voters' political choices.

"The best thing that's happening today is that every voter is convinced with who he is voting for," she said, referring to the fact that the polling station she's voting at is close to a Shia stronghold in Bashura, Beirut II.

She said that she was elated to be voting today for Mohammad Nabil Badr, a candidate on the Hayde Beirut list, backed by independents and the Islamist Jamaa Islamiyyah party.

"I am 61 years old, my life is behind me, but I'm voting to change the country for the next generation."

Sarah al-Shareef, 30, also said she was hoping things could improve in the country.

"I am here with my family voting for change," she said. "I've been following opinions and developments on the news and social media, and it looks like we are going to win.

"The situation is really bad, and our current politicians led us here. It's time they step down, and we are here to do that."

Policemen frisks voters outside a polling station in the Lebanese capital Beirut, on May 15, 2022 (AFP) — Policemen frisk voters outside a polling station in Beirut, on 15 May 2022 (AFP)