Battered by war and economic crisis, Lebanon holds first local elections in almost 10 years

Haret Hreik, Lebanon-El Lebanese voted on Sunday in the country’s first local elections in almost a decade, months after a high negotiated fire in the United States ended a war between Israel and Hezbollah.

The first voting round, which is carried out by region, was in the districts of Mount Lebanon, including the abused suburbs of the south of Beirut, where the headquarters of Hezbollah are located and much of its leadership, including the veteran leader Hassan Nasrallah, were killed in Israeli air attacks during the 14 month war.

Surveys for mayors and municipal councils, although not as significant as the parliamentary elections of Lebanon established by 2026, are a barometer of how much devastating war that was more than 4,000 dead people and all destroyed neighborhoods has impacted support for politicians and parties, especially in the south where Hezbollah and all are strong.

Hezbollah and his companion of the Shiite party are expected, the Amal Movement wins most of the votes for the municipal councils and mayors in the suburbs of the south of Beirut.

The flags of the parties and members with green and yellow paraphernalia were present outside the electoral centers, helping supporters who wish to vote for the candidates of the parties.

The vote also took place in public schools near the remains of destroyed buildings in Israeli air attacks. The government with liquidity problems of Lebanon has been fighting to ensure international funds for reconstruction, which the World Bank estimates in more than $ 11 billion.

The municipal elections were supposed to take place years ago, but the government had postponed them three times, including once on budget limitations.

Voters said they were especially concerned with the reconstruction of their homes and living.

Mohammad Awali, a candidate who runs for the Haret Hreik municipality, said his local council “has a great responsibility, especially given the extensive destruction that occurred in our area.”



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