Lebanon allow ex- pats to vote for the first time

Lebanese expatriates began voting yesterday in the first parliamentary elections held by the tiny Arab country in nine years

The current legislature has extended its term several times, citing security threats linked to the war in neighbouring Syria.

Lebanon’s political sys - t em distribute s power among the country’ s different religious communities, and the main parties are led by political dynasties that fought during the 1975- 90 civil war.

Yesterday’ s vote in 33 countries comes two days after thousands of Leba ne se voted in six Arab countries – the first time that Lebanese have been allowed to vote abroad.

Millions of Lebanese live outside the country, but Lebanon’s state - run news agency said the number of registered voters is just 82,970. Voting in Lebanon will be held next Sunday.