Lebanon holds municipal elections in volatile south as Israeli truce violations continue

The fourth and final round of Lebanon’s 2025 municipal and mayoral elections has kicked off in the two strategic governorates of Nabatieh and South, amid concerns that the occupying Israeli regime would threaten the safety of the polls.

Thanks to consensus between the Amal Movement and Hezbollah resistance movement, nearly 80 municipalities secured victories by acclamation for both their municipal councils and mayors.

The elections hold exceptional strategic importance, especially given that this region is located in direct contact with the occupied Palestinian territories that a portion of which remains under occupation after the Israeli regime refused to withdraw from it in violation of the ceasefire agreement and UN Resolution 1701.

The primary challenge facing the Lebanese government is protecting the security of the polls, as experience proves Israel feels no limit to its aggressive and unlawful behaviors.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, along with Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ahmad Al-Hajjar, visited the operations room at Saida Serail to supervise the launch of the elections in the South and Nabatieh governorates.

Aoun called for a high voter turnout as people showed up at polling stations to choose those who represent their development aspirations.

He maintained that the elections in the south affirm that, “The will to live is stronger than death and the will to build is mightier than destruction.”

The Lebanese president stated that participation in “building local towns and tomorrow’s Lebanon for the future generation is both a duty and a responsibility,” congratulating those who won by acclamation and those who will win through the ballot box, emphasizing that “the position is not a privilege but a responsibility.”

For his part, Najjar said, “Lebanon always rises from the rubble,” announcing the launch of elections in all relevant regions.

The two southern governorates are a key stronghold for Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, and represent the vital core of the resistance front. Hence, the turnout resulting from the ballot boxes will send important messages.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has already sent a message to the people of southern Lebanon, calling on them to participate massively in the municipal and mayoral elections, describing participation as part of their steadfastness and confrontation with the usurping Tel Aviv regime.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in his capacity as leader of the Amal Movement, also urged southern voters to participate massively.

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