Aoun: Lebanese within polling stations can vote beyond 7pm

Lebanese President Michel Aoun has announced that voting will be extended beyond 7pm for those already at polling stations. Turnout is low, and that is clearly worrying Lebanon's political class.

Independent candidates should be concerned as well, as in many districts their success depends on mobilising voters to reach the thresholds of support needed to be eligible for seats. For more information about Lebanon's confusing, revamped and Byzantine electoral law, read more here...

If–IF–voter turnout is super low (considerably lower than the 50% of 2009) that could throw a bit of uncertainty into the outcome. Most models seem to be roughly based on 2009 turnout or slightly higher. If people don't show up, the question is who stayed home? #LebanonElections
— Benjamin Redd 🏳️‍🌈 (@benredd) May 6, 2018

40min to go until polls close. #Lebanon's interior ministry has not issued new voter turnout since 2:00pm, when it was at just ~24%. @General_Aoun callsl on voters to head to polls: "If you are there, then of course the time will be extended so you can all vote."
— Maya Gebeily (@GebeilyM) May 6, 2018

Our ministry of interior didn't even bother to provide centers with enough voting boxes. Once again, Machnouk proves his incompetence in managing the simplest of details. #LebanonElections2018
— Ahmad (@ahmad_m_hamdan) May 6, 2018

Politicians calling to extend voting hours. Todate I have observed few elections in Arab region. This means 2 things : low voter turnout + higher potential for voter fraud #LebaneseElections2018
— Randa Slim (@rmslim) May 6, 2018