Political observers consider the election to be highly competitive and unpredictable. Earlier this year, three-time prime minister Saad Hariri – head of the country’s largest Sunni Muslim parliamentary bloc – stepped down from politics, leaving the Sunnis to vote in favor.
The Iranian-backed armed political group Hezbollah has also emerged as a hot topic in the Lebanese election. Several political groups have announced efforts to disarm the Shia party – which they believe has dominated the political arena – although it still enjoys widespread support among its members.
Hezbollah’s election rallies – where group leader Hassan Nasrallah urged people to vote by secret ballot – have drawn thousands of supporters this week.
A coalition backed by Hezbollah – which includes other Shia as well as Christian allies – holds the majority of seats in the current parliament.
The small eastern Mediterranean country has had a self-proclaimed power-sharing system since its founding a century ago. Parliament is divided equally between Muslims and Christians, with prime minister for Sunni Muslims, president for Maronite Christians and speaker of parliament for Muslims Shia sect.
