Lebanon Delays Municipal Elections Amid Ongoing Border Clashes
Lebanon’s parliament recently made the decision to delay municipal elections for the third time in two years due to ongoing clashes between militants in the country’s south and Israeli forces. The powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah group has been engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israeli forces since October 7, following an attack by its Palestinian ally Hamas that sparked a conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Municipal elections in Lebanon are typically held every six years, but due to financial constraints, the last local ballot was held in 2016. The parliament approved a bill to extend the mandate of existing municipal and elective councils until a date no later than May 31, 2025. This decision was made despite objections from lawmakers who oppose Hezbollah, citing complex security, military, and political circumstances following Israeli aggression on Lebanon’s southern border.
The ongoing violence has led to the displacement of over 92,000 people in Lebanon and tens of thousands of residents in Israeli communities near the border. Since the clashes began in October, at least 380 people have been killed in Lebanon, including 72 civilians. Israel has reported the deaths of 11 soldiers and eight civilians on its side of the border.
The postponement of municipal elections is not a new development in Lebanon. In April 2023, elections were also postponed due to the country’s financial crisis and border clashes. The deputy speaker of parliament had previously stated that holding elections was “almost impossible” for the economically struggling nation.
Lebanon has been grappling with a prolonged financial crisis and political deadlock, with no president in place and a caretaker government with limited powers. The country’s economy collapsed in late 2019, leading to a decline in the role of local councils in providing basic services to residents.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has emphasized the importance of including southern Lebanon in any upcoming elections, despite objections from opposition parties. The Lebanese Forces, the main party opposing Hezbollah, has been advocating for holding elections on time.
The delay in municipal elections highlights the challenges faced by Lebanon as it navigates through economic turmoil and political instability. The country’s leaders are under pressure to address the needs of its citizens while also dealing with external threats and conflicts along its borders.
As Lebanon continues to grapple with these issues, the decision to postpone municipal elections reflects the complex realities facing the country. It remains to be seen how Lebanon will address these challenges and move towards a more stable and prosperous future for its people.