Lebanese expats check lists with electoral staff at Lebanon's Consulate in Dubai. AFP

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Lebanese expatriates in the United Arab Emirates voted on Sunday ahead of the May 15 parliamentary elections.

The UAE recorded one of the highest Lebanese voter turnout rates, reaching 68.39%, according to sources associated with the election programme.

The critical election comes amid an unprecedented financial crisis that has spurred a mass population exodus, although while opposition figures have pinned their hopes on the diaspora vote, experts say the political status quo is expected to remain.

Lebanese expats were seen dancing as they queued to cast their votes for the May 15 legislative election at Lebanon's Consulate in Dubai.

The Dubai Police officers, in a humane gesture, used cardboards as hand fans for Lebanese voters to withstand high temperatures during the voting process at the Consulate in Dubai on Sunday.

Expatriates in 48 countries including France are taking part in one of the most crucial elections.

The parliamentary elections for expatriates were held in 9 Arab countries and Iran.

The voting is going to start for expatriates in all other countries, including the UAE on Sunday, and will be completed in Lebanon on the 15th of this month.

 Lebanese expats dance as they queue to cast their votes for the May 15 legislative election at Lebanon's Consulate in Dubai.

The countries where voting is taking place are Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt.
 
Lebanese expats have been queuing since early hours to cast their ballots in Dubai.
"I voted for change," said Abed Saad, who cast a ballot in Dubai.

"If we don't vote, others will win, and we don't want them to win," the 27-year-old said, referring to established parties.

More than 194,000 people in 48 countries are registered to vote on Sunday, according to the official National News Agency.

The vote is the first since the onset of the economic crisis and the devastating 2020 port explosion in the capital Beirut, with many accusing the political elite of rampant corruption and mismanagement.