Lebanon: Political violence recorded ahead of parliamentary elections May 6 /update 1

Event

Heightened political tensions are expected in Lebanon ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled to be held on May 6. Incidents of political violence have already been recorded in the lead-up to the elections; on Sunday, April 22, Ali al-Amin, a journalist critical of Hezbollah who is running for a Shi'a seat in the parliamentary vote, claimed that he had been assaulted by over 30 Hezbollah supporters in Chaqra (Bint Jbeil district) while he was hanging up election posters. Also notably, the Lebanese army reportedly dispersed an election-related skirmish between supporters of rival Druze parties south of Beirut on Sunday. Further such incidents of political violence are possible in Lebanon ahead of the May 6 parliamentary elections. Political rallies, as well as consequent heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions, are possible in the coming days and on the day of the vote.

Context

Lebanon last held parliamentary elections in June 2009. Security threats from the neighboring Syrian civil war, sectarian tensions due to Lebanon's confessional political system, and disputes over voting law have continuously delayed the elections from their original scheduled date in 2013 to May 6.

Advice

Individuals in Lebanon are advised to monitor developments to the situation, report all suspicious objects or behavior, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Avoid all related protests and demonstrations, as well as polling places, as a precaution.