The Interior Ministry says that 2.75 million Lebanese have registered to vote, which observers say is an improbably high number out of an estimated population of four million. Their leader Dory Chamoun, who has not taken part in elections since 1992, contends that the sectarianism still dividing Lebanon will ease after Syrian troops leave. Two independent deputies, including maverick politician Najah Wakim, have withdrawn from the contest partly in protest at foreign intervention. Other Christians have criticised Syria's interference, but not as directly. However, the Christian opposition is less tangible than it was in the 1996 elections when Christians in Mount Lebanon made a major effort to win a big turnout for anti-Syrian candidates in protest at what they said was Syrian abuse of Lebanon's sovereignty.
Analysts say the current elections are being contested more on local issues.
Clearly, there are attempts by the official agencies and their rivals to mobilise the people,'' said Michael Young, editor of the Lebanon Report. The elections are run on sectarian lines, with the 128 seats divided equally among Moslems and Christians. These shares are sub-divided between each of the 18 recognised religious sects. If you have any related information or suggestions, please email them. The State of Assyria .