Lebanon Holds Initial Elections Following Israel-Hezbollah Truce
In just over a decade, Lebanon's citizens have taken a significant step forward in their democratic process, voting in local elections—the first since the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. These elections, though not as significant as the parliamentary elections set for 2026, have become a determining factor in measuring the impact of the devastating conflict that claimed over 4,000 lives and left entire neighborhoods in ruins.
Voting commenced on Sunday in Mount Lebanon districts, including Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah's headquarters are located. Presently, Hezbollah and their Shiite counterpart, the Amal Movement, are expected to clinch most votes for mayoral and municipal council positions in these areas.
Interestingly, the polls were held in public schools that stand adjacent to the remnants of buildings destroyed during Israeli airstrikes. The cash-strapped Lebanese government has been striving to secure international funds for the estimated €9.7 billion reconstruction project, which has proven challenging.
The government had postponed the elections multiple times, once due to budgetary constraints. But now, as voters head to the polls, their primary concerns revolve around rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.
Take, for instance, Mohammad Awali, a candidate vying for the Haret Hreik municipality, who acknowledged the weight of responsibility resting on his local council "especially given the extensive destruction that occurred in our area."
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah inadvertently impacts the political climate and reconstruction efforts in Lebanon. Hezbollah has made it clear that they will only consider disarmament IF Israel fully withdraws from Lebanese territory, thereby positioning themselves as protectors of the nation's sovereignty.
Furthermore, the ceasefire negotiator's strategy of focusing on economic stability rather than direct political negotiations could influence the sentiments of certain communities, potentially impacting voter behavior in areas focused on reconstruction over ideological alignment. Conversely, ongoing Israeli strikes on Hezbollah-linked sites in Beirut's southern suburbs affect the rebuilding process, while Hezbollah's relocation of weapons north of the Litani River complicates demilitarization pledges tied to rebuilding aid.
As Lebanon strives to pick up the pieces and move forward, the repercussions of the ceasefire linger, impacting the political landscape and obstructing cohesive reconstruction efforts. The political landscape remains divided, with Hezbollah's conditional disarmament stance and Israel's retaliatory strikes perpetuating insecurity in conflict-affected areas while impeding large-scale rebuilding initiatives.
- Despite the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the political landscape in Lebanon continues to be influenced by the aftermath of the war-and-conflicts, particularly in the context of upcoming elections.
- In Lebanon's local elections, which took place in areas like Beirut's southern suburbs, Hezbollah and the Amal Movement are expected to gain significant votes for mayoral and municipal council positions.
- Aware of the extensive destruction in their area, candidates like Mohammad Awali of Haret Hreik municipality see their role as vital in helping the community rebuild their homes and livelihoods.
- The repercussions of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah are still visible in Lebanon, obstructing cohesive reconstruction efforts and keeping tensions high in conflict-affected areas, causing difficulties for large-scale rebuilding initiatives.
