Dar al-Fatwa in Tripoli announces neutral stance in municipal elections

TRIPOLI — Dar al-Fatwa, the highest Sunni religious authority in Lebanon, released a statement through its media office for Tripoli and the North on Friday, declaring that it "does not support or endorse any specific list or individual" in the upcoming municipal elections and reproached efforts to associate its leaders with particular political figures or parties.

"With the upcoming municipal elections, Dar al-Fatwa in Tripoli and the North, led by Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Imam, reaffirmed its neutral stance, stating it cannot adopt any specific list or individual," the statement reads.

"Dar al-Fatwa expresses its surprise at attempts to associate the name of His Eminence, the Mufti of Tripoli and the North, as a party or entity in these elections. Dar Al-Fatwa announces that His Eminence does not intervene in these elections or any other elections."

The 103-year-old institution emphasized that its various country-wide centers are "welcoming spaces for all, with its doors open to everyone."

If held as planned, the upcoming municipal elections are expected to take place before May 31, 2025, in accordance with the postponement law passed last year.