Strife-ridden Lebanon conducts first local elections in nearly a decade, amidst war and financial instability.
In a historical development, citizens of Lebanon cast their votes on Sunday for the country's first local elections in over a decade. This milestone comes after the ceasefire of the prolonged 2024 war between Israel and Hezbollah, a conflict that had a profound impact on the support base of various politicians and parties, especially in the southern regions where Hezbollah's influence is significantly strong.
The initial round of voting took place across various regions, including Mount Lebanon districts and the battered southern suburbs of Beirut where Hezbollah headquartered and a significant portion of their leadership were killed in airstrikes during the 14-month conflict. While Lebanon's parliamentary election is scheduled for 2026, these municipal elections serve as a crucial indicator of the war's aftermath on the political landscape, particularly in the south.
In Beirut's southern suburbs, it's expected that Hezbollah and fellow Shiite party the Amal Movement will secure substantial votes for municipal councils and mayors. Enthusiastic supporters could be seen waving party flags and donning green and yellow paraphernalia outside polling stations, eager to vote for their preferred candidates.
The electoral process took place within the proximity of school buildings, some of which were near the remnants of structures destroyed in Israeli airstrikes. The Lebanese government, strapped for cash, has been actively seeking international funds for the colossal reconstruction effort estimated by the World Bank to cost over $11 billion.
The municipality elections were originally due years ago, but the government postponed them thrice, once due to budgetary constraints. Polling day revealed a general concern among the citizens for the rebuilding of their homes and livelihoods.
One of the candidates, Mohammad Awali, competing for the Haret Hreik municipality, acknowledged the weighty responsibility of the local council, given the extensive damage in the region.
Although the search results do not provide specific insights into the electoral dynamics of the southern suburbs, the elections demonstrate a post-war landscape shaped by political entrenchment, sectarian mobilization trends, and persistent traditional power structures despite local participation challenges. As we await post-election analysis, the political landscape will continue to be dominated by recovery priorities, Hezbollah's organizational prowess, and sectarian political machinery.
- The Lebanese government is actively seeking international funds for the reconstruction effort, which is estimated by the World Bank to cost over $11 billion, following the local elections.
- In the southern suburbs of Beirut, Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, another Shiite party, are expected to secure substantial votes for municipal councils and mayors.
- The historic local elections in Lebanon, held after a decade, serve as a crucial indicator of the aftermath of the war on the political landscape, particularly in the south where political entrenchment, sectarian mobilization trends, and traditional power structures persist.
- Regarding the rebuilding of homes and livelihoods, general concern was expressed among the citizens during the municipal elections.
- One of the candidates, Mohammad Awali, acknowledged the weighty responsibility of the local council in the Haret Hreik municipality, given the extensive damage in the region.
