In Haret Hreik, Lebanon, citizens headed to the polls on Sunday, participating in local elections that marked the first of their kind in nearly ten years. This historic vote comes a few months after a ceasefire was brokered by the U.S. to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
The initial phase of elections occurred in the Mount Lebanon region, featuring the fraught southern suburbs of Beirut where Hezbollah’s main offices are stationed. It’s a significant area as the region’s leadership, including the group’s well-known leader Hassan Nasrallah, suffered losses during Israeli airstrikes amid the 14-month conflict.
While these elections, which choose mayors and local council members, don’t carry the same weight as the upcoming parliamentary elections slated for 2026, they nonetheless serve as a crucial indicator of how the catastrophic war still reverberates through Lebanon. The conflict left over 4,000 deceased and numerous communities in ruins. Observers are particularly focused on how this might affect the base of support in the southern regions where Hezbollah and its allies traditionally hold sway.
The anticipation is that Hezbollah, alongside its political partner the Amal Movement, will dominate the vote for municipal councils and mayoral positions in the southern parts of Beirut. This expectation was mirrored in the visual presence around polling places, where party supporters, clad in party colors and flags, assisted their communities in casting votes for favored candidates.
As voting occurred, it took place against the somber backdrop of remnants from the war—public schools operated voting stations adjacent to the debris of buildings left partially demolished by Israeli bombardments. The Lebanese government, under severe financial strain, is seeking international help to fund reconstruction efforts, with estimated costs by the World Bank soaring over $11 billion.
These municipal elections were delayed multiple times over the years, attributed to a variety of factors including financial challenges. Among the electorate, pressing concerns revolved around restoration efforts and livelihood recovery, with many citizens expressing a deep desire to see their homes and communities rebuilt.
Mohammad Awali, a candidate in the running for a position on the Haret Hreik municipal council, acknowledged the enormity of the task at hand, stating, “Our local council has a great responsibility, especially given the extensive destruction that occurred in our area.” Voters made their voices heard in hopes that the leaders they choose will spearhead a revival out of devastation.