Polling stations to be equipped with alternative power
By Therese Sfeir
The Daily Star 13/05/09

Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud reiterated on Tuesday that a comprehensive security plan was adopted by the Central Security Council in preparations for the June 7 parliamentary polls. During a joint news conference with Telecommunications Minister Gibran Bassil, Baroud said that alternative electricity sources were provided to 75 percent of balloting centers, adding that the ministry was working in cooperation with Elecricite du Liban (EDL) to provide the remaining centers with alternative energy before the elections.

Bassil said that pressure on the cellular network was expected during election day, adding that the landline network was able to contain the increased number of phone calls.
"The situation of the cellular network is embarrassing because operations to expand the networks are not completed yet," Bassil said.
"However, we have both the landline and cellular networks which will be able to provide communication," he added.

Baroud said both ministers also discussed the distribution of cellular lines' returns to the municipalities. "According to Law no. 379 of 2001 pertaining to the V.A.T., 10 percent of the cellular bill paid by each Lebanese citizen should return to the municipalities," the interior minister said.
He added that LL280 billion of these returns would be distributed to the municipalities before the elections.

Commenting on the interception of phone calls, Baroud said: "The special body for intercepting phone calls has been recently reactivated." He added that the body prepared a report that would be discussed by Cabinet.

Reference