Power cuts reported at polling stations

Local media reported power cuts in some voting centres across Lebanon, despite assurances from the interior ministry that polling stations would be powered on election day.

Lebanon, grappling with an unprecedented economic crisis since 2019, has suffered from severe power shortages for nearly a year - largely because the government can't afford fuel for power stations.

Power cuts can last up to 23 hours a day in some regions, forcing many to rely on expensive generator subscriptions to keep the lights on.

The international community has long demanded a complete overhaul of Lebanon's loss-making electricity sector - which has cost the government more than $40bn since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war - as one of the basic conditions to disburse billions of dollars in desperately needed financial support.

There are fears power shortages today could lead to massive electoral fraud. Read more here:

Lebanon praying the lights don’t go out on election day