Lebanon holds municipal vote amid tension

Beirut: Voters in north Lebanon are heading to the polls amid tight security for the fourth and last stage of municipal elections.

The elections are seen as a test for coexistence in a nation where sectarian resentment continues 20 years after the end of a 1975-1990 civil war.

Sunday's voting is expected to witness a limited number of heated electoral battles in the towns of Batroun and Zgharta that are being closely contested between government-backed lists and their rivals.

Concerns of violence were heightened after a family dispute that turned political deteriorated into a gunfight that killed two people Friday in the town of Dahr Al Ain in the northern Koura district.

Municipal elections in Lebanon are held every six years.