Resistance list wins Lebanon municipal elections a victory with multiple implications
Lebanon’s municipal elections, held every six years but delayed three times over nine years, finally took place—serving as a prelude to the 2026 parliamentary elections and a political litmus test following the martyrdom of key Resistance figures, including Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
The last municipal elections were held in 2016. The next round was scheduled for 2022 but faced repeated postponements. These local polls play a critical role in managing public services,infrastructure,and regional development across Lebanon.
High voter turnout—particularly among supporters of the Resistance movement—amid ongoing war and external pressures demonstrated the movement’s enduring vitality and political legitimacy, especially in central, southern, and eastern regions.
Under Lebanese law (Article 118 of 1977), municipalities operate independently with defined powers over finances, urban planning, public aid services) ,and human resources. Winning more council seats translates to greater political influence nationally.
Four-Phase Election Process
The elections unfolded in four phases:
- May 4: Mount Lebanon Governorate (including strategic Dahiyeh near beirut).
- May 11: Akkar and Northern Governorate.
- May 18: beirut Bekaa Baalbek-hermel governorates).
- May24Southern lebanon/Nabatieh—areas heavily targeted during recent Zionist attacks.
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<Strong Coalition Dominance
The “Development and Loyalty” coalition (Hezbollah-Amal)</em secured sweeping victories:
- Western Bekaa : Full sweep per official results announced by regional official hussein Al-Nemer .
- Baalbek : Total victory displacing rival factions .
- Southern towns(Joya Aytron Shaqra Nabatieh): Overwhelming wins.
- MP Ali Fayyad(Nabatieh) declared:”Southerners reaffirmed their support for resistance.”Failed Opposition Efforts
p Despite U.S pressure( e.g., Deputy assistant Secretary Morgan Ortagus’ call to exclude hezbollah from politics )and foreign-funded rivals like Samir Geagea’s Lebanese Forces or Future Movement-aligned groups,the Resistance bloc expanded its social base compared to previous cycles .
Leadership Reactions
– Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri hailed turnout as “a political epic continuing resistance legacy.”
– Hezbollah Deputy Sec-Gen Sheikh Naim Qassim thanked even rival candidates for ensuring electoral integrity .The results defied assumptions that Gaza war,Syria’s instability,and martyrdom of leaders(like Nasrallah)had weakened the Axis.Resistance forces repelled Zionist ground incursions into south Lebanon before enforcing ceasefire terms.Militarily undefeated,the movement now proved its unmatched political capital through ballot boxes.News Sources: © Mehr News Agency,
