On Sunday, Lebanon held its first voting since the intense conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, marking the beginning of long-awaited local elections following the formation of a new central government.
The polling took place at 7am (0400 GMT) in the Mount Lebanon area, which is a densely populated region characterized by a mix of political and religious affiliations. This includes the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold that experienced significant destruction from Israeli attacks.
“We did the right thing and let our voices be heard,” remarked Hashem Shahmas, 39, a supporter of Hezbollah, after casting his vote in the Siya district of South Beirut.
The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that 9,321 candidates, including 1,179 women, are contesting in the mountainous regions of Lebanon.
Local elections are expected to occur every six years, but authorities last conducted voting in 2016 due to financial constraints.
President Joseph Aoun highlighted the significance of this voting event, stating it would help restore confidence both locally and internationally, and assist Lebanon in rebuilding its institutions.
Aoun was elected in January, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam appointed the following month, which ended a political stagnation of over two years influenced by the shifting balance of power after the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
The new government has released access to billions from a bailout fund amid a prolonged economic crisis and has promised reforms to regain international faith. They have also committed to establishing a national monopoly over weapons.
Hezbollah faced significant setbacks due to prolonged confrontations with Israel, resulting in the deaths of key leaders, including its long-term chief, Hassan Nasrallah, along with damage to its bases in the southern and eastern regions of the country as well as South Beirut.
Despite a ceasefire, Israel continues to strike targets in Lebanon and maintains a military presence in five areas it views as strategic.
In April 2024, local elections were delayed due to ongoing hostilities, which escalated into a large-scale Israeli bombing campaign and ground invasion prior to a ceasefire that was reached around two months later in September.
Aoun advised voters to avoid being swayed by “partisan or financial factors” tied to sectarian identities.
In Lebanon, where power dynamics are heavily influenced by religious and political affiliations, local elections tend to allow for greater community influences in decision-making.
The polls are set to close at 7pm on Sunday. Subsequently, the northern Lebanon region will cast its votes on May 11, while Beirut and the eastern Bekaa Valley will follow on May 18. Voters in the southern region, which has been significantly affected by the conflict, will vote on May 24.
