The February 14 commemoration of the politicians and journalists assassinated since the 2005 murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri ended in violent street clashes as March 8 supporters attacked March 14 partisans walking home from Martyrs’ Square. Lutfi Zeineddine died the following day from stab wounds sustained during the violence. The Progressive Socialist Party member’s death prompted PSP supporters in Bhamdoun to close the highway to Damascus, stop cars and busses travelling on the road and assault those they stopped.

PSP leader Walid Jumblatt had to personally travel to Bhamdoun to calm his supporters.

In the wake of this violence, two March 8 politicians, Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun and Amal leader Nabih Berri, said holding the June parliamentary elections in one day may not be possible for security reasons.

NOW Lebanon took to the streets to ask citizens if they feared there would be more violence in advance of the elections given what happened over the weekend, and whether or not fear of violence would keep them from voting.

Firas, 37, Bekaa
“No, there will be no violence. This is Lebanon. No violence will happen, I am sure. The top heads [of the political parties] have meetings and reached a deal to stop violence.”

Ramzi, 40, Chouf
“I think there may be some violence, but I’m not nervous about it. It’s just normal. We’re just used to it. Of course [it will] not [stop me from voting].”
 
Evelyn, 45, Beirut
“No, because all of the parties realize that if something worse happens it will be the end of the country. Of course we are nervous about the situation, but I am hopeful that they all will be intelligent and make all efforts to prevent any violence.”
 
John, 57, Beirut
“Maybe there will be fights. In the beginning they are fighting. When there is an election, surely there will be [more fighting]. Of course we are nervous, we need calm, not war. But no, [it will not stop me from voting].”

Nicholas, 33, Beirut
“No, because everyone knows it will be too dangerous for everybody. No, [I’m not afraid to vote].”

Gebran, 61, Beirut
“It’s possible, yeah. Violence is always possible in Lebanon. That’s the society. There are many factions. But I think it will be small scale. Maybe [I’ll vote]. I’m not sure.”
 
Qassem, 51, Qana
“We Lebanese don’t like violence. I am from March 8, but I hope all the Lebanese will come together and have no political problems or violence. We love peace in Lebanon. I’m a little worried there will be violence before the elections, but I’m not afraid to vote. I hope nothing will happen.”

Yasneek, 62, Beirut
“Maybe [there will be violence.] I will vote. Of course I will vote.”