Lebanese Ministry of Information
After casting his vote, Minister of Information Ziad Al-Makari saluted the Ministry of Interior, all security apparatuses and all media representatives and outlets for their efforts in ensuring a smooth electoral process, expressing special appreciation to the official media.
Stressing on the media’s important and responsible role, Al-Makari said: “Can you imagine the elections without the media?”
Touching on the electoral atmosphere in Zgharta, he described it as “good” and emphasized that “the process is conducted democratically, and all parties are present on the ground alongside civil society members.”
“This is an image that we must convey to everyone, as the people are aware,” he said.
Al-Makari promised media professionals that he would seek to reach a formula that would allow them to vote early in the upcoming elections, revealing that he had tried to apply this during the current electoral round but this arrangement required a law.
The Minister went on to indicate that “Lebanon Television will, for the first time, adopt sign language in its broadcasts,” adding that he has so far completed sixty days at the Information Ministry and promised of more improvements in the coming period.
Regarding the breach of electoral silence, Al-Makari explained that “monitoring the electoral silence is the responsibility of the Election Supervisory Board,” noting that he “communicated with the head of the commission, Judge Nadim Abdel-Malik, who recorded violations,” adding that “failing candidates should submit appeals if they find violations.”
Al-Makari concluded by wishing success to all deserving candidates.
NNA
