Lebanese vote in first general election in nine years

A Lebanese woman casts her vote at a polling station during the municipal elections in Beirut. [Courtesy]

Lebanese began voting on Sunday in their first general election for nine years, one that is seen as unlikely to upend the country’s basic contours of power but is important for economic stability.

The streets of Beirut were quiet early on Sunday, but small crowds had gathered around the schools being used as polling stations and walls were plastered with party flags and pictures of the leading candidates.