After almost 10 years and an armed conflict, Lebanese citizens have taken to the polls to vote in local elections, the first since Israel and the militant group Hezbollah agreed on a ceasefire.
The first round of voting, which is taking place by region, began on Sunday in Mount Lebanon districts including Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah headquarters are located.
The polls for mayors and municipal councils, though not as significant as Lebanon’s parliamentary election set for 2026, are a barometer of how much the devastating conflict that left over 4,000 dead and entire neighbourhoods destroyed has impacted support for politicians and parties.
Hezbollah and fellow Shiite party the Amal Movement are expected to win most votes for municipal councils and mayors in Beirut's southern suburbs.
The voting also took place in public schools near the wreckage of buildings destroyed in Israeli airstrikes. Lebanon's cash-strapped government has been scrambling to secure international funds for the reconstruction, which the World Bank estimates to be over €9.7 billion.
Municipal elections were supposed to have taken place years ago, but the government postponed them three times, including once due to budgetary constraints.
Voters said they were primarily concerned with rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.
Mohammad Awali, a candidate running for the Haret Hreik municipality, said his local council “has a great responsibility, especially given the extensive destruction that occurred in our area.”
