UNPRECEDENTED ARMENIAN VOTER PARTICIPATION IN LEBANON ELECTIONS

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BEIRUT-As the curtain fell on the 2009 Lebanese parliamentary elections
Sunday, the Lebanese-Armenian community turned out in unprecedented
numbers to ensure the Armenian community’s participation in the
Lebanese political process, with 80 percent of the Armenian vote
going in support of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation candidates.

Hagop Pakradouni and Arthur Nazarian were the ARF candidates elected
in a vote that saw the Lebanese Armenian community turn out in droves
to make its voice heard in the name of ensuring the security and
prosperity of the community.

The ARF campaign, that has been hard at work for months, started
the day as early as 5 a.m. ensuring that precincts monitors and
other campaign workers were in place. Unprecedented Armenian votes
were reported in the Metn district, which includes Bourdj Hammoud,
as well as in other Armenian-populated areas.

After a close vote, the Lebanese parliament will be led by the
coalition known as "March 14" and supported by forces loyal to former
prime minister Rafik Hariri who was assassinated two years ago. This
group was being opposed by a group led by retired General Michel Aoun.

The outcome of the vote would not prevent future dialogue in
solidifying the Armenian representation in the parliament based on
the common interests of the community there, said Shahan Kandaharian,
the editor of Aztag daily.