Election posters in the southern suburbs of Beirut, ahead of the 2022 legislative elections. (Credit: Louai Bechara/AFP archive photo)
Nine years after Lebanon's last municipal elections, voters will head to the polls next month in a contest that may seem symbolic but could carry political weight ahead of next year’s parliamentary vote.Municipal councils in Lebanon hold limited powers, and family ties often outweigh political affiliations, especially in rural areas. Yet this year’s elections will serve as a critical barometer of public sentiment, particularly for Hezbollah, which faces both an opportunity and a test.Written off by opponents after last year’s war with Israel — a conflict that decimated its leadership, dismantled much of its arsenal and left parts of its southern strongholds in ruins — Hezbollah is now battling for political survival. A show of grassroots support has become more urgent than ever.Normally, municipal elections pose little threat to...
Nine years after Lebanon's last municipal elections, voters will head to the polls next month in a contest that may seem symbolic but could carry political weight ahead of next year’s parliamentary vote.Municipal councils in Lebanon hold limited powers, and family ties often outweigh political affiliations, especially in rural areas. Yet this year’s elections will serve as a critical barometer of public sentiment, particularly for Hezbollah, which faces both an opportunity and a test.Written off by opponents after last year’s war with Israel — a conflict that decimated its leadership, dismantled much of its arsenal and left parts of its southern strongholds in ruins — Hezbollah is now battling for political survival. A show of grassroots support has become more urgent than ever.Normally, municipal elections pose little...