Berri vs Bushra

In the afternoon, polling stations in the Sour district were quiet. People reported a busy movement of voters in the morning, but in comparison with last year the turnout today has been markedly less. 

"I will always vote for Nabih Berri, even if he is among the politicians who have robbed the country. There is no alternative, and I don't trust independent candidates," said one man, leaning out of his car window in a traffic jam.

The popularity of Berri, the leader of Amal Movement and parliament speaker since 1992, is undisputed in the area, but facing him is a popular face in the opposition in South II, which includes the Sour and Zahrani districts.

Boushra al-Khalil is well known for her staunch and vocal opposition to Berri. Khalil, a lawyer who has previously run in the elections, is confident that her The Inclusive State, which is supported by independents, has a high chance of gaining seats in the elections. 

"For years, I have proven my character and courage to stand up to whomever embodies everything that is wrong in this country, including Berri, who is at the head of the pyramid [of corruption]. I will never be silenced despite the intimidation I have endured," Khalil told MEE last week.

"The opposition represents the right national position. The parliament has been a failure, and the 30 MPs representing the south are part of it."

"I want a seat at the table that would allow me to be proactive and stir public opinion toward just national causes, and I believe people's awareness has changed since the last elections," she said.