Preparations accelerate across southern Lebanon as the country readies for long-awaited municipal and mayoral elections, scheduled to begin Saturday morning under a directive from the Ministry of Interior.
This vote marks the first in nine years for existing municipal councils and comes against a backdrop of ongoing Israeli aggression near the border.
Interior Ministry Ramps Up Election Logistics
Teams from the Ministry of Interior have intensified logistical efforts, distributing ballot boxes and essential electoral materials to polling stations across the region — including in Tyre District and border villages recently affected by Israeli strikes and civilian displacement.
In the city of Tyre, four polling centers will be dedicated to residents of nearby southern border villages whose local councils did not win by acclamation.
Elections will also be held in over 13 other towns, while several municipalities in the region have already secured victories uncontested.
Polling in remaining areas will take place at designated centers in Tyre.
Judges, polling station heads, and staff tasked with overseeing the vote are expected to begin arriving Friday, ensuring all technical and organizational arrangements are in place before voting begins.
Dozens of Municipalities Win by Acclamation
As of now, 47 municipalities — nearly half of them in Tyre District — have been elected by acclamation, including Naqoura and Zebqin, which joined the list in the final hours before voting. This number is expected to rise further, as the Ministry of Interior has extended the withdrawal deadline for candidates until midnight Friday.
Hezbollah Coordinates Election Day Operations
Hezbollah’s electoral apparatus will manage oversight and logistics across southern districts located below the Litani River — specifically Tyre, Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun, and Hasbaya. The party has also pledged continuous, real-time reporting of statistics and results throughout election day on Saturday.
International Observers Expected
Official international observer delegations are scheduled to visit polling sites over the next two days. Their presence underscores the significance of these elections for southern Lebanon, which has endured repeated Israeli attacks over the past 18 months — the latest occurring just yesterday.
Resistance on the Ballot
Sources say the Israeli enemy is attempting to influence voter sentiment by pressuring citizens to reject the resistance movement at the ballot box. However, consultations held in recent days suggest that support for the resistance remains firm among southern voters.
The upcoming vote not only renews local governance in Lebanon’s south but also unfolds as a testament to the southerners’ resolve amid persistent Israeli aggression.
Source: Al-Manar Website