NNA - Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Ahmad Al-Hajjar, confirmed in a chat with journalists before the closing of ballot boxes this evening that "the number of clashes exceeded the number of complaints in the Akkar and North Governorates' elections."

He said, "The complaints were administrative and security-related, and we intervened quickly, sometimes requesting support from the army."

Al-Hajjar explained that the cause of the clashes was due to some people's over-protection and impulsiveness, and thus, urged citizens to adhere to peaceful expression and to follow the vote counting process in a refined and ethical manner, as it has always been known of the North and Akkar people.

He highlighted the importance of holding the elections which render the logic of the state triumphant.

Al-Hajjar also called for staying away from any bribery attempts and the use of violence, as the security services will not be lenient in this regard. 

============R.Sh.