The fourth and final round of Lebanon’s municipal and optional elections kicked off today in the southern and Nabatieh governorates, with voters heading to the polls despite Israeli attacks and a significant number of towns already decided by acclamation.
Polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m., with early figures from the Ministry of Interior showing modest but growing turnout by mid-morning: Jezzine led at 7.32%, followed by Hasbaya (4.56%), Marjayoun (3.47%), Bint Jbeil (3.00%), Nabatieh (4.15%), Tyre (4.23%), and Saida (4.94%).
President Aoun
From the Sidon Serail, President Joseph Aoun paid tribute to the souls of the martyrs on this day, saluting the work of the security and judicial apparatuses, and everyone who contributed and is contributing to the successful electoral process.
Aoun called on everyone to vote in large numbers for those who represent their aspirations for the city’s development. The elections in the south confirm that the will to live is stronger than death, and the will to build is stronger than destruction.
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From the Nabatieh Seraya, he said: “Participating in building the town and building tomorrow’s Lebanon for the next generation is a duty and a responsibility. I congratulate those who won by acclamation, and I congratulate in advance those who will win at the ballot box. The position is not a privilege, but a responsibility, and you must live up to the trust, serving the people of your village with sincerity and dedication.”
President Aoun cast his vote in his hometown of Aishiyeh to elect a mayor after the municipality won unopposed. He said, “Whoever wins will represent me,” and called on citizens to “vote in large numbers in all areas of the South and Nabatieh governorates.”
A Vote of Resilience
Against the backdrop of lingering instability, approximately 122 municipalities in the south had already been decided by consensus—largely between the Hezbollah-Amal alliance or local family agreements—before election day. Yet, voters still turned out in force, defying challenges to participate in what many see as a critical step toward rebuilding their communities.
From Sidon’s Serail, Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi praised the electoral process, honoring the martyrs of the south and commending security forces for ensuring a smooth vote. “The will to build is stronger than destruction,” he declared, urging citizens to cast their ballots for candidates who truly represent their aspirations.
Hotly Contested Races
In Saida, 69,474 eligible voters faced a crowded field, with five competitive lists vying for seats, including “Pulse of the Country”, “Saida Badha”, and “Sawa for Saida.” Meanwhile, Tyre saw an influx of voters returning from Beirut to support lists backed by national political alliances.
In Nabatieh, Israeli drones buzzed overhead as residents cast their votes, with Governor Dr. Huwaida al-Turk overseeing operations. Remarkably, 18 of 36 municipalities in Bint Jbeil district were won by acclamation, but competitive races persisted in villages like Ramieh, Tibnin, and Ain Ebel.
Source: Agencies and Al-Manar English Website
