Serena al-Haddad, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

Lebanon's Municipal Elections: Family Networks vs. Political Forces

Said Malek to "Akhbar Al-Yawm": The municipal race is family-centered, with political parties integrated into village life

After being postponed three times, Lebanon's long-awaited municipal and mukhtar elections finally launched last Sunday, beginning in Mount Lebanon. The electoral process will unfold in phases until May 25. The first round witnessed a notable surge in candidacies, blurring the lines between traditional family-based competition and broader political and partisan alignments.

Although municipal elections are theoretically meant to serve local development goals within a family or community-oriented framework, the current cycle is increasingly marked by the influence of political parties. Many municipalities, once known for their familial nature, are now witnessing intense political involvement, with outcomes being interpreted as indicators for the 2026 parliamentary elections.

In an interview with the "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, constitutional expert Said Malek explained, "Political parties are an inseparable part of society; they help shape its structure. Consequently, it's natural for them to influence the electoral process, even at the municipal level".

Malek acknowledged that while the elections are technically developmental and administrative, they inevitably reflect broader political orientations. He emphasized, however, that the focus of newly elected councils should remain on serving the developmental needs of their towns and villages.

When asked about the role of family dynamics in the elections, Malek noted that family ties often outweigh political agendas in many regions, with rival candidates frequently emerging from within the same extended families: "You’ll see cousins or siblings on opposing lists, driven by internal dynamics rather than external political forces".

Malek stated that any citizen can run in municipal elections, with chances of success tied to their service record in the community. While lists may have an edge in mobilizing votes, individual candidates can still win based on their local history and reputation.

He affirmed that although parties are part of local life, municipal elections remain family-centered and are not a true reflection of upcoming parliamentary dynamics.

Malek concluded that current political alliances, like the Lebanese Forces' partnership with Mansour Al-Bon in Jounieh, are temporary and aimed solely at securing municipal victories, with no impact on the 2026 parliamentary elections.