Christian parties likely secure in Kesrouane

In the district of Kesrouane, where eight MPs (7 Maronites and one Shia) are elected, traditional Christian parties mobilised the vote in a traditional way - saying they will protect the Christian community's interests.

They are expected to do well, regardless of the widespread anger felt towards Lebanon's rulers.

It's a situation that Nayla, 54, admits having difficulties to understand: "I can only explain it by the fear that is created among the people by these parties, the fear of the other, the one who is from another religion. And specifically here, the message sent by traditional parties is that Christians will disappear if we don’t vote for them.”

Flags of the Lebanese Forces political party sway in the wind outside a restaurant in the coastal city of Byblos (Jbeil) (AFP)

The woman, who says she has voted for an independent list, explains that she did so for her children.

"Above all, I want young people to succeed in changing what we have not been able to achieve: an egalitarian society that respects the rights of all,” she told MEE.

"I have three children. One went to Germany, and I still have my two daughters here. I urge them to leave, to get a better life. But they are the ones who want to stay, because they are attached to their country despite everything, and have not lost hope that it will change.”