Protesters try to block Lebanon lawmakers

Beirut: Lebanon’s parliament is attempting to extend its own term in office by more than two years. But a group of protesters is trying to stop it.

Demonstrators on Wednesday blocked roads leading to the parliament and threw tomatoes at lawmakers’ cars. They were held back by security forces and the vote was expected to continue.

The parliamentarians claim they need to extend their own mandate because Lebanon’s security situation is too dire to allow elections to be held.

The extension is likely to pass despite opposition by most Christian parties. It would grant the parliament another two years and seven months in power.