Omar al-Rassi, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

Municipal and Mukhtar Elections: A Critical Test for the Presidency in the Spring

Political readiness remains incomplete amid underlying fragmentation

The upcoming municipal and mukhtar elections are the first major test for the new presidency, scheduled for the spring. Despite Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar’s announcement that “the ministry is committed to holding the elections on time in May, with ongoing efforts to finalize administrative preparations”, no concrete steps have been taken on the ground so far. Moreover, it appears that most political parties are unenthusiastic about the process.

Commenting on the situation, a well-informed political source noted that while the country’s atmosphere remains tense, there is still a window of hope.

The source explained: “When there is a change in leadership, it is essential to consult the people, especially when these leaders are not directly elected by the public. In our case, the president is elected by Parliament, which also appoints the prime minister and grants confidence to the government”.

The same source continued: “The necessity and urgency of these municipal and parliamentary elections are greater than ever, given that we are facing a presidency that is promising on multiple fronts, including:

Economic and Financial Recovery: The administration has pledged to end the economic, financial, and social crisis and secure Arab financial aid. In this context, President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia is significant, though it is tied to conditions that may be difficult to meet at present.

Reconstruction Efforts: The government is committed to rebuilding areas devastated by a war that not all Lebanese had a hand in or a desire for, particularly in the South, Bekaa, and the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Banking Sector Reform and Deposit Recovery: The administration has vowed to restructure the banking sector and return deposits in one way or another, an ambitious and crucial promise.

Liberation of Occupied Territories: There remains a firm commitment to liberating occupied territories in the South, particularly critical areas still under Israeli control.

Border Security: Ensuring security along the eastern border is a priority, given the ongoing clashes and instability in the region.

Domestic Stability: Despite the parliamentary majority supporting the president and granting confidence to the government, underlying tensions persist.”

When asked whether Lebanon is ready to hold these elections, the source responded: “Logistically, perhaps. Politically, certainly not. However, the main challenge remains the situation in border villages that have been completely destroyed, along with addressing the security concerns in areas adjacent to Syria”.

The source further emphasized that Lebanon is affected by both the positive and negative repercussions of regional events. Given this reality, the new administration needs this electoral process, as delaying the municipal elections would signal that the presidency has yet to take off and is reluctant to commit to key deadlines.

The source concluded by stating that while the task is not easy, the presidency is compelled to proceed with the elections on schedule. Holding them would grant a degree of popular legitimacy, despite the incomplete political readiness amid the ongoing but largely concealed fragmentation, an aspect that makes the situation even more precarious.