Can Lebanon Successfully Conduct Local Elections Amidst Conflict?

Beirut, May 24 (NationPress) - Lebanon is proceeding with municipal elections in its conflict-stricken southern regions this Saturday, pushing forward despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes, significant displacement, and substantial logistical hurdles.

The elections will take place in the governorates of South Lebanon and Nabatieh, even as large portions of the bordering areas continue to experience intermittent fire. Since the onset of the cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in October 2023, tens of thousands have been forced to flee, leading to a collapse of essential services in numerous towns.

Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar emphasized this week the government’s dedication to maintaining sovereignty across all Lebanese territory. He mentioned ongoing discussions with international mediators to ensure a peaceful election day, asserting that Beirut “does not wait for guarantees.”

However, organizers face significant difficulties. The Southern Border Villages Association reports that the displacement of residents has rendered voting logistics nearly impossible. The Interior Ministry indicates that out of 60 border villages, 37 remain vacant, prompting the relocation of polling stations to more secure locations. Additionally, the association highlighted the hesitance of election supervisors, who are legally required to come from outside the region, to travel to unstable areas due to the threat of Israeli drone strikes.

The group stated, “The absence of security, coupled with a lack of water, electricity, and telecom services, has fostered an atmosphere of fear.”

Despite the challenges, these elections are viewed as a crucial evaluation of Lebanon’s capacity to uphold democratic principles amidst escalating conflict. Analysts suggest that the vote serves as a symbolic assertion of state authority in territories where Hezbollah and its allies maintain substantial influence.

“These elections are not merely symbolic,” said Refaat Badawi, a political analyst and former advisor to the late Prime Minister Salim el-Hoss. “Municipalities are at the forefront of service provision, aid distribution, and reconstruction efforts, particularly in the near-total absence of a functioning central government.”

The elections will occur in areas dominated by Hezbollah and Amal, providing a vital gauge of their grassroots support following months of Israeli bombardments. Badawi noted that the results could indicate trends leading up to the 2026 parliamentary elections. Nabih Berri, the Speaker of Parliament and leader of the Amal Movement, has encouraged southern residents to vote in large numbers to support his party, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Nidal Issa, a resident of the border village of Kfarchouba, mentioned that over 100 towns have already established municipal councils without opposition, with efforts underway to increase that number to 150. In the Marjayoun, Bint Jbeil, and Hasbaya districts alone, 35 councils were formed through consensus.

“In many areas, parties avoided electoral competitions by negotiating deals with influential families and clans,” Issa said. “This alleviates tensions and strengthens their hold on local power, especially in sensitive border zones.”

Issa called for international monitoring, stating, “Voting amidst airstrikes deprives individuals of their right to choose freely,” urging the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and the five-nation ceasefire committee to pressure Israel to cease attacks during the election.

Although a ceasefire brokered by France and the US between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect since November 2024, sporadic Israeli strikes have persisted.

Israel asserts that its strikes target threats posed by Hezbollah. However, the Lebanese government and several Arab nations accuse Israel of repeatedly breaching the agreement. Despite ceasefire provisions demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal, Israeli forces continue to occupy several strategically significant positions in southern Lebanon.