Aoun calls on 'winners' of first round of municipal elections to 'take responsibility' | LIVE

Thank you for joining us for our coverage of the first round of municipal elections and its results. Be sure to come back next Sunday for the second round of voting.

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The Interior Ministry announced the final figures for the first Sunday of municipal elections. A total of 376,725 people voted, representing a turnout of 45.16 percent. In addition, 660 complaints were registered and 8,075 calls were received on the 1766 hotline.

The leader of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), Gebran Bassil, said his party had "demonstrated its ability to be the main driving force in elections that were about families and development." "When we say we won, we won with the families, by supporting their lists. No one can deny our role and support. The FPM recorded better results than in the previous election [in 2016], even though it lost in several districts," Bassil said at a press conference.

"The FPM is present in 203 municipalities, with 639 winners ... These figures show our strong presence in Mount Lebanon," added Bassil, who said he had cooperated with the Murr family in Metn. The FPM leader also welcomed the results in Hadath, Kahaleh and Deir al-Qamar, stating that he knew "in advance the results for Jounieh, Jbeil and Jdeideh," where the Lebanese Forces and Kataeb alliance won the election.

"We had said that the maximum ceiling was 1,800 votes in Jbeil, and we obtained 1,700, which indicates our party's strong presence. In Jounieh, we worked for consensus ... and our obtaining around 3,000 votes is significant," he stated.

In a report published Monday, the Lebanese Association for Democracy in Elections (LADE) said it recorded 838 violations that took place during the first round of municipal elections held Sunday in Mount Lebanon.

Read the details here.

In a statement, Hezbollah's electoral team for the Mount Lebanon and North regions expressed its "gratitude to the faithful and worthy citizens for their active participation in the municipal elections." It congratulated the newly elected officials, wishing them "every success in their mission to serve the population and local development," and assured the residents of Mount Lebanon and the North that it would remain "at their side and at their service."

Applications for the Sour district closed on Monday. A total of 157 people applied for municipal council positions and 182 for mokhtar positions, according to the state-run National News Agency.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun congratulated the winners of the first round of municipal elections, held in the Mount Lebanon governorate, reminding them that true responsibility begins after the elections.

In a brief statement, President Aoun — who had overseen the launch of the vote from several administrative centers on Sunday — praised the fact that "Lebanon is steadily moving forward on the path to recovery, despite the crises and challenges it has faced." He stressed that the real work begins now, urging newly elected municipal council members and mukhtars to “serve the citizens and meet their needs,” which he called “the core purpose” of their mandate.

Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces, highlighted in a statement the "significant shift" brought about by the first round of municipal elections in Mount Lebanon, where lists backed by his party and the Kataeb secured several victories.

This shift, he said, "particularly in major towns, clearly indicates that citizens, regardless of political affiliation, are no longer tolerant of corruption or mismanagement at any level." He added that the results released so far are "promising."

"Rechmaya First" list (Rechmaya Awwalan), backed by the Lebanese Forces, won 14 out of 15 municipal council seats, according to local media.

While awaiting the official publication of the results, you can find here the initial announcements made since last night by the electoral machines of various lists:

Mount Lebanon municipal elections: First available results - L'Orient Today

From the Interior Ministry, Minister Hajjar announced that the results of Sunday’s vote will begin to be published "in the coming hours," following verification by a specific software program. He stated the results will be "officially and definitively" announced on the ministry’s website.

Mount Lebanon governor, Mohammad Makkawi, visited the Interior Ministry in Beirut to officially submit the results of Sunday’s municipal elections.

MP Ibrahim Kanaan, who left Gebran Bassil's FPM in August 2024, disassociated himself in a statement on X from “offensive slogans” directed at Bassil, uttered while he was in an office of his “Sar Wa'ta” list in Metn, and caught on video.

“I'm not concerned by these slogans and I don't approve of them. As far as I'm concerned, differences of opinion, position or background must never be allowed to become an offence to others, or to drift towards language I've never used,” he defended.

“I also reaffirm that victory or defeat in any election must only be expressed with respect and dignity, as the people of Metn have always been accustomed to. What happened was merely the spontaneous and unacceptable expression of a small group present on the spot, who later apologized for it,” said Kanaan.

Samy Gemayel, leader of the Kataeb, declared that the “number of municipalities tipped in [his] favor is significant, and none tipped the other way,” in a statement published on X, while recalling that the “counting is still in progress.”

In particular, he welcomed the victories “in Jbeil, Jounieh and Jdeideh, which are the capitals of Mount Lebanon.” In Northern Metn, “new presidents of municipalities and new political forces have won victories, first and foremost the Kataeb, whether in Jdeideh, Dbayeh or Antelias,” he also declared. Finally, referring to the battle for the Union of Municipalities in Metn with the Murr, he pointed out that he was “only one or two votes short of the presidency, while they are seven votes short.”

The “Beiteddine We're United” list, led by Abdo Karam, won all the municipal seats in Beiteddine.

In Joun, in the Chouf region, the list supported by the Amal movement and Hezbollah won the election over the list backed by the Lebanese Forces, the Free Patriotic Movement, the Communist Party and several independents, reports LBCI.

The “Deir al-Qamar We're United” list of mukhtars won the elections, according to our information. This list is supported by the Lebanese Forces, former minister Naji Boustani and families from Deir al-Qamar. As far as the municipal council is concerned, only one of the 18 ballot boxes has already been counted.

The list supported by the Free Patriotic Movement won the elections in Mansourieh, in Metn.

The “Dialogue and Decision” list, headed by Jean Asmar in Hazmieh and supported by the Kataeb and the Lebanese Forces, won the elections. Asmar announced in an interview with the al-Jadeed channel that he had won 80 percent of the vote.

The list backed by former minister Elias Murr won the municipal elections in Zalka.

In what was expected to be a close election in Hadath (Baabda), the list headed by the outgoing president of the municipal council, Georges Aoun, supported by the Free Patriotic Movement, won all 18 seats against the list backed by the Lebanese Forces.

In Aramoun (Kesrouan), the municipal list led by Sakher Azar, supported by the Lebanese Forces, won the elections.

The “Qartaba Merit” list, led by Fadi Martinos, President of the Union of Jbeil Municipalities and outgoing President of the Qartaba Municipal Council, won the elections.

The Free Patriotic Movement's electoral machine announces the victory of the list it supported in Souk al-Gharb (Aley).

The Kataeb have announced that their list has won the municipal elections in their stronghold of Bikfaya. Nicole Gemayel will be the new president of the local council and will therefore be in a position to lead the Union of Metn Municipalities.

In Jdeideh, Boushrieh and Sadd al-Boushrieh, the Kataeb electoral machine announced that the “This is the moment” list led by Auguste Bakhos had a 500-vote advantage over Jean Abou Jaoudeh's list after 2,000 ballots were counted.

The “Gathering of the Haret Hreik families” list, backed by MP Alain Aoun, is said to have won the elections against candidates from the Free Patriotic Movement, according to MTV.

The list headed by Nabih Tohmeh and supported by the Kataeb and the Lebanese Forces won the municipal elections in Dbayeh.

Farid Haykal al-Khazen's electoral machine is claiming victory for the “Jounieh Rising” list, which is said to have won all 18 seats on the Jounieh municipal council. Led by Faysal Frem, this list is supported by the Lebanese Forces, the Kataeb, as well as three major political figures from the region: MPs Neemat Frem and Farid al-Khazen and former MP Mansour al-Bon.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the Interior Minister and the Information Minister, at the operations room of the Interior Ministry, May 4, 2025. (Credit: An-Nahar

Speaking from the Interior Ministry, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that “the electoral process had run smoothly and securely, with few irregularities.” He stressed that he had “observed the follow-up of administrative complaints, the majority of which have been dealt with.”

Turnout revised slightly upwards to 45.08%

In a new assessment of turnout, the Interior Ministry announced a participation rate of 45.08 percent, or 376,063 voters who cast their ballots.

In detail, the turnout rates by districts are as follows:

Kesrouan: 60.94 percent

Jbeil: 57.46 percent

Chouf: 45.75 percent

Aley: 42.3 percent

Baabda: 39.11 percent

Metn: 38.86 percent

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam arrived at the operations room of the Interior Ministry to follow the counting process of the municipal elections in Mount Lebanon.

Final turnout in Mount Lebanon at 44.59%

Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar announced the end of election day in Mount Lebanon, after polling stations closed at 7 p.m., praising the fact that “electoral operations ran smoothly, without any notable security problems,” while pointing out that 479 complaints were recorded during election day.

“The number of complaints is not high, the majority being of an administrative nature, while those relating to cases of electoral corruption have been forwarded to the relevant judicial brigades,” he commented.

He reported that turnout was 44.59 percent in the governorate of Mount Lebanon, noting the following rates:

59.40 percent in Kesrouan

41.51 percent in Aley

56.70 percent in Jbeil

38.29 percent in Baabda

37.91 percent in Metn

44.82 percent in Chouf

In 2016, the final rate in Mount Lebanon was 47.4 percent.

The Lebanese Forces and allies' list won all 18 seats in this city, according to our information.

All polling stations closed in Mount Lebanon

All polling stations in the governorate of Mount Lebanon, where municipal elections were held on Sunday, have closed, reports the state-run National News Agency. Ballot counting is due to begin shortly.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army Rodolphe Haykal inspected the operations room in the Mount Lebanon region, where he took note of the exceptional security measures put in place to ensure the smooth running of the electoral process, reports the official National News Agency. He stressed “the need for citizens to comply with the instructions of the military units deployed and to refrain from any disturbance of public order that could harm the conduct of the poll.”

Paul Morcos, the Information Minister, also welcomed the holding of the elections, which were intended to show that “the government respects the sacredness of constitutional deadlines.” During a visit to the Interior Ministry, he praised the “soldiers of the shadows,” in reference to the organizers of the elections. After his visit, the Interior Minister stated that “the elections went smoothly and democratically.”

Martine Najm, Vice-President of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), in charge of political affairs, affirmed that her party “played an essential role ... in the successful conclusion of the acclamation candidacies and consensual agreements.”

“For us, this deadline is first and foremost about family and development, and then about politics. We have respected the choice of families and left them free to nominate candidates,” she declared.

An argument accompanied by jostling broke out at the Sarba (Kesrouan) polling station, reports the National News Agency.

Voter turnout at 6 p.m.

At 6 p.m., the turnout rate stood at 41.61 percent, with a total of 347,110 voters having turned out to vote, according to a new report published by the Interior Ministry.

Joumblattist MP Bilal Abdallah, after voting in Shehim, Chouf:

“This government promised these elections, and it has kept its word ... The competition is taking place in a truly democratic and civilized manner. We are determined to rebuild this country, and it is its young people, its inhabitants, its citizens, those we see here, who will be its builders. This electoral race is a competition for service: (being part of) a municipality is neither an office nor a privilege, but a commitment to the public good.”

Turnout around 5 p.m.

According to figures from the Interior Ministry, turnout in Mount Lebanon reached 40.43 percent, an increase of 10 percent in one hour.

In Kesrouan, it reached 56.08 percent.

In Aley, it reached 38.19 percent.

In Jbeil, it reached 52.27 percent.

In Baabda, it is 35.01 percent.

In Metn, it is 34.29 percent.

In Chouf, it is 40.53 percent.

A total of 337,294 voters turned out to cast their ballots.

It should be noted that in 2016, voter turnout in Mount Lebanon had also risen significantly by the end of the day, from 30 percent to 50 percent in several regions. The final rate was 47.4 percent.

Altercation at Ghadir polling station

An altercation broke out at the Ghadir polling station due to the presence of the outgoing president of the municipality of Jounieh, Juan Hobeish, reports the National News Agency.

Security forces denied him access to the voting center, as he is registered with Sahel Alma. Refusing to leave the premises, Hobeish insisted on entering. He contacted the Governor of Kesrouan, Sethrida Nabhan, who in turn sought the intervention of the Governor of Mount Lebanon, Mohammad Makawi, who finally authorized his entry.

Security meeting on ballot box transportation, vote counting in Jounieh

A security meeting was held at the Serail in Jounieh to discuss ways of facilitating the arrival and receipt of ballot boxes, and ensuring the security of the vote count, until the official results are announced, reports the National News Agency.

According to figures from the Interior Ministry, turnout in Mount Lebanon reached 31.98 percent.

In Kesrouan, it reached 44.78 percent.

In Aley, it was 29.81 percent.

In Jbeil, it was 42.29 percent.

In Baabda, it is 27.34 percent.

In Metn, it is 27.03 percent.

In Chouf, it is 32.15 percent.

A total of 266,798 voters turned out to cast their ballots.

LADE's preliminary report

For its part, LADE noted several problems and violations during its observation missions to polling stations, including delays in the opening of several polling stations, polling booths whose installation did not guarantee the confidentiality of the vote, problems of access for people with disabilities and “a serious case in which a delegate from one list took the place of the president of the polling station in Haret Hreik,” in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

The organization also noted “multiple cases of voting outside the polling booth,” notably in Barja, Ain Zhalta and Shaney, and altercations occurring in or outside polling stations, such as in Aramoun, where a dispute arose between a polling station president and a delegate, in Haret Hreik, Barja, Bshamoun and Hammana, where fights occurred between delegates, voters or members of opposing political families and in Bireh, where lists were illegally distributed inside the polling station.

Twelve electoral corruption complaints received by the Interior Ministry

The central operations room responsible for supervising municipal elections received 12 complaints concerning cases of electoral corruption in various areas of the Mount Lebanon governorate, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry. These complaints were forwarded to the police for investigation.

In Fanar, in the Metn district, the Intelligence Division of the Internal Security Forces arrested a citizen suspected of having paid bribes on behalf of a candidate. The case was transferred to the judicial brigade in Jdeideh, which has launched an investigation, according to the Interior Ministry.

LADE preliminary report of LADE

For its part, LADE (The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections) recorded several issues and violations during its observation missions in polling stations, including delays in the opening of several stations, voting booths that did not ensure the confidentiality of the vote, accessibility problems for people with disabilities, and "a serious case in which a delegate from a list took the place of the head of the polling station in Haret Hreik," a southern suburb of Beirut.

The organization also noted "multiple cases of voting outside the booth," particularly in Barja, Aïn Zhalta, and Shanieh, as well as altercations that occurred in or in front of polling stations, such as in Aramoun, where a dispute broke out between a station head and a delegate, and in Haret Hreik, Barja, Bchamoun, and Hamana, where fights occurred between delegates, voters, or members of opposing political families. In Bire, lists were illegally distributed inside the polling station.

Voter turnout at 3 p.m. nears 2016 levels

While polling stations have yet to close, the voter turnout for this year’s municipal elections in Mount Lebanon at 3 p.m. is approaching the final turnout figures from the 2016 vote, according to comparative figures from the Interior Ministry published on X.

• In Jbeil, turnout reached 41.17% by 3 p.m., compared to 43% in 2016.
• In Metn: 26.89%, down from 35.20% in 2016.
• In Chouf: 31.11%, compared to 37% in 2016.
• In Keserwan: 42.46%, close to 46% in 2016.
• In Aley: 29.39%, versus 38% in 2016.
• In Baabda: 26.66%, exceeding the 2016 figure of 23%.

Overall voter turnout across Mount Lebanon stood at 31.16% as of 3 p.m., compared to 38.70% in 2016.

Twelve electoral corruption complaints received by Interior Ministry

The central operations room overseeing the municipal elections has received 12 complaints related to electoral corruption across various regions of the Mount Lebanon governorate, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry. These complaints have been forwarded to the police for investigation.

In Fanar, Metn, the Intelligence Division of the Internal Security Forces arrested a citizen suspected of paying bribes on behalf of a candidate. The case was transferred to the judicial police in Jdeidé, which has launched an investigation, the ministry said.

Photo provided by the Ministry of Defense press office, (Credit: Mountasser Abdallah.)

Defense Minister votes in Dekwaneh (Metn)

Defense Minister General Michel Menassa cast his vote at the Dekwaneh Public Technical School in the Metn district. From the polling station, he praised the efforts made “to ensure the success of this national event,” emphasizing the importance of protecting citizens’ freedom of opinion and expression.

He stated that the Interior Ministry and the army had “jointly implemented all necessary measures to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the electoral process.” So far, “no security or administrative incidents have been reported,” he added.

Elections take on a 'family character in Furn al-Shebbak

In Furn al-Shebbak (Baabda), about ten people were voting at the Tehwita public school. “It’s lunchtime. People will likely come in the afternoon,” Habib told L’Orient-Le Jour. Another voter remarked that since the elections in this area are “family-oriented,” the current municipal council president will likely be re-elected. Outside the school, dozens of people — most wearing T-shirts and caps from the two competing lists — were gathered and chatting.

Jal al-Dib, 'everything is going smoothly'

Outside a classroom at the public high school in Jal al-Dib, Bqennaya, a representative from LADE (Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections) told our reporter Gabriel Blondel that no violations had been observed since voting began. “We asked poll workers to reposition a few booths before voting started to better protect voter privacy. Other than that, everything is going well so far.”

Six candidates are competing for three seats in Jal el-Dib, while two are vying for one seat in Bqennaya.

Army temporarily halts voting in Zouk Mikael (Keserwan) after dispute

A clash broke out between two voters backing rival lists in Zouk Mikael (Keserwan), according to NNA. The army briefly suspended the voting process to defuse the situation.

(Credit: Suzanne Baaklini.)

Long lines outside Sahel Alma polling station (Jounieh, Keserwan)

Voter turnout is high in Sahel Alma, Jounieh, where long lines have formed, according to our on-site reporter. "It's important for me to vote — my only hope is that my children, who are living abroad, can one day return to a country worthy of them," said Nathalie, a voter waiting her turn.

Jean, an elderly man, said he came "for change." "We hope the younger generation can improve things," he added with a smile.

Delegates from both competing lists agreed that the atmosphere outside the station was friendly.

Relaxed atmosphere at Hazmieh polling station (Baabda)

At the College Elysee in Hazmieh, dozens of people gathered in a relaxed atmosphere as representatives from competing lists handed out snacks, reports our journalist Zeina Antonios. “It’s very calm. We haven’t had any issues. During the last elections, everyone was tense and barely speaking to each other. It’s much better today,” said voter Robert Saad.

As of 1:30 p.m., voter turnout in Mount Lebanon had reached 24.41%, according to figures shared with L’Orient Today by the Interior Ministry:

• Chouf: 24.11%
• Metn: 20.80%
• Baabda: 20.60%
• Jbeil: 32.26%
• Aley: 23.64%
• Keserwan: 34.08%

Voters speak out after casting their ballots in Antelias

Eliane Daher, 44, expressed her satisfaction at finally being able to fulfill her civic duty again after more than two years of postponed elections: “I vote in every election, but this one is symbolic because it’s the first since the election of President Joseph Aoun — it reaffirms Lebanon’s sovereignty,” she said, praising the "good organization" of the process and the "speed" with which she was able to vote. “We hope these elections will accompany the change we are waiting for and will be a first step toward rebuilding the country,” she added.

A few meters away, Ralph, in his thirties and working as a graphic designer for a company in the UAE, was less enthusiastic. “I came to vote because I arrived from Dubai a week ago, so I thought: why not? But there’s not much suspense around the results. The most important milestone will be next year’s parliamentary elections,” he said.

Outside the polling station at Antelias Intermediate School (Metn), long line formed under tight military and police presence

In this municipality, around 7,000 voters were called to elect the 15 members of the new municipal council for Antelias and Naccashe.

Two lists are competing: the first, led by outgoing council head Elie Abou Jaoude, is backed by a broad coalition including the Murr family, Kataeb, Tashnag, and the FPM — whose orange-clad supporters were positioned near the school entrance. The second list, headed by his cousin Georges Abou Jaoude, is reportedly supported by the Lebanese Forces, although the party of Samir Geagea has not officially announced its backing.

Tents of rival list delegates in Jbeil, outside a polling station. (Credit: Suzanne Baaklini.)

Voters speak at polling station in Jbeil

"They're all the same," says one voter to L'Orient Today at a polling station in Jbeil. He still came to vote but admits he "has no hope in anyone."

Rafic, a young man in his twenties voting for the first time, is more optimistic: "What do I hope from the new municipal council? That they fix the roads — that’s the main thing!"

Dispute at a polling station in Hammana (Baabda)

A dispute broke out between the son of the outgoing mayor of Hammana and a supporter of the rival list at the polling station set up in the Abdallah al-Khoury Secondary School in Hammana, Baabda district, according to LADE (the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections) on X.

Police intervened to calm situation.

State Security Director, Edgar Lawandos, currently conducting a supervision tour at Jbeil Serail, reports NNA.

Mount Lebanon Governor Mohammad Makkaoui visited Amshit and Jbeil as part of his own tour.

From Jbeil, he stated that the vote was "one of the most successful" ever organized in the country, noting only "minor complaints" that were immediately addressed.

The Director of State Security, Edgar Lawandos, is currently conducting a supervision tour at the Jbeil Serail, according to ANI.

Meanwhile, Mount Lebanon Governor Mohammad Makkaoui visited Amchit and Jbeil as part of his own tour. From Jbeil, he stated that the vote was "one of the most successful" ever organized in the country, noting only "minor complaints" that were immediately addressed.

In Hadath (Baabda district), voter says 'happy to vote.'

"The whole family came in four cars. It's well organized, and we are happy to vote," says this voter, who came from Bednayel, in the Baalbek region, to our journalist on-site.

Voter turnout approaching 20% in Mount Lebanon, according to Interior Ministry

The turnout is distributed as follows across different regions:

• Keserwan: 27.34%
• Aley: 18.68%
• Jbeil: 26.24%
• Baabda: 16.51%
• Metn: 16.44%

The average voter turnout is 19.46% as of 1:00 PM, with 162,271 voters out of a total of 833,715 registered.

In Hadath, 'there aren’t enough people'

In Hadath (Baabda district), about 100 people are waiting outside the polling station at the Saints-Coeurs school, reports our journalist Zeina Antonios.

Nearly 3,000 people have already voted, says Boutros Tarraf, whose brother is a candidate. "There aren’t enough people. The electoral machines are trying to encourage people to come vote. Generally, people are more interested in municipal elections than in legislative ones because it allows them to work locally. But this year, they are concerned with many other things," he explains.

High turnout at polling stations in Jbeil

In the city of Jbeil, two main lists are engaged in a fierce battle: "Jbeil Ahla" or "Jbeil Even More Beautiful," supported by MP Ziad Hawat, a powerful figure in the city and ally of the LF, and the other called "The Decision of Jbeil," led by Louis Cardahi, son of former Minister Jean-Louis Cardahi, who is positioned on the other side of the political spectrum.

The turnout has been good since the morning, with one polling station already reaching 31% of votes, according to a delegate, as reported by our journalist Suzanne Baaklini. Voters who did not reveal their identities assure that "the electoral process is democratic and calm, without any issues, as always in Jbeil." This impression is confirmed by delegates from both lists at a polling station, who assure that "the turnout is good, and we will definitely reach 50%."

'Positive atmosphere' at a polling station in Hadath, despite some confusion

In Hadath, confusion occasionally reigns in front of some voting booths, and the Internal Security Forces are trying to prevent the situation from spiraling into chaos, according to our journalist Zeina Antonios.

On-site, a man and his son say they came specifically from Saudi Arabia to vote in the municipal elections. "I came to vote for my brother-in-law," explains the father. Michael Nassour, another voter, shares that "there aren’t many people here so far." "The atmosphere is positive. People are happy to vote. But it will probably be Georges Aoun who will be re-elected as mayor," he analyzes. Another full list is competing against the incumbent mayor's list.

(Credit: Mohammad Yassine L'Orient Today.)

'Voting is in the city's interest': Testimony from polling station in Baabda

"It was important to hold this election in the end. I came to vote because it's in the city's interest," says Andre Fayad at the public school in Baabda, as reported by our journalist Zeina Antonios.

On-site, a representative from an NGO for people with disabilities asks the polling station officials to explain the procedure for visually impaired voters or those in wheelchairs.

Delegates from the two opposing lists in front of a polling station in Ghadir. (Credit: Suzanne Baaklini)

Intense competition in Jounieh between the two opposing lists

In the Ghadir neighborhood of Jounieh, the competition is fierce between the two opposing lists, which continue to exchange accusations regarding the alleged support of the Jounietna list, composed of young people and representatives of local families, by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), and the supposed electoral corruption of their opponents.

According to Interior Ministry, nearly 120,000 people had voted by noon in Mount Lebanon, representing 14.30% of the total registered voters.

The voter turnout is broken down as follows:

Keserwan: 20.83%

Jbeil: 19.81%

Aley: 14.09%

Metn: 11.93%

Baabda: 11.13%

L'Orient Today Reports from the largest municipality in Metn

At Jdeideh-Sed al-Baouchrieh, the largest municipality in the Metn district, voters have already turned out in large numbers at the al-Akhtal al-Saghir public high school polling station, reports our journalist Gabriel Blondel.

"We're happy with the turnout so far. People started coming as soon as we opened at 8 a.m., and the flow has been steady since then," says Michel Nehme, one of the polling station’s coordinators. "We believe our center is among the two with the highest participation rates. We might even aim for a higher rate compared to previous elections at our center," he adds.

Two young voters share their experience at polling station in Jdeideh-Sed al-Baouchrieh

Charbel, 22, came specially from Beirut to perform his civic duty for the first time at the al-Akhtal al-Saghir public high school. "It's our responsibility to come and vote. I hope that the general interest will be reflected in the results... These elections carry even more value after the period we've just gone through. It's very important for us to choose the right people now, so we don’t regret it later," he says. He adds, "I believe I made the right choice, but I’ll wait to see what the list I voted for does once elected to know if my choice was correct. You shouldn't just vote for someone because they know someone in your circle."

Another young woman, 21, voted for the first time today, accompanied by her family. "It's a nice feeling, a new experience. I hope my vote will contribute to the country's change and recovery," she confides, wishing to remain anonymous. While she doesn’t want to disclose the name of the list she supported, she says she is "convinced" by her choice.

Lebanese Army intervenes at polling station in Keserwan

An altercation occurred between two individuals at a polling station in Ghineh, in the Ftouh Keserwan region, causing a scuffle in which one person was slightly injured on the nose, according to NNA. Lebanese Army reinforcements arrived on-site and helped calm tensions.

Minister Hajjar at a Polling Station in Chehim. (Credit: NNA.)

Hajjar after voting in Shehim: Complaints are scarce and dealt with immediately

Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar, speaking from a polling station in Shehim (Chouf), confirmed that "complaints" regarding electoral process violations are "addressed immediately" and that the number of such complaints is "very low."

Earlier, he had visited Ghobeiri, at the Ahmad Kazma Official Girls' High School polling station, where he stated that "a few shortcomings" had been resolved and that the vote is "proceeding smoothly." He reiterated that he had "asked officials and administrations not to interfere in the process and to ensure the integrity and transparency of the election."

A Voter at a Polling Station in Mount Lebanon. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient Today.)

'Haqqi' campaign for the rights of disabled persons

Teams from the "Haqqi" campaign for the rights of people with disabilities have been active since this morning at polling stations in Mount Lebanon, ensuring that polling stations are equipped to allow people with reduced mobility and disabilities to vote "autonomously and with dignity."

The campaign particularly calls for polling stations to be located on the ground floor of buildings used as voting locations.

A total of 100 observers, divided into 17 teams, have been deployed throughout the mohafazat, according to a statement from the campaign, which is affiliated with the Lebanese Union for the Physically Disabled.

"The campaign hopes to put an end to the humiliating scenes where disabled or elderly individuals are carried upstairs to access polling stations, as has often happened in previous elections," the statement reads, calling for "respectful treatment" of voters.

New voter turnout figures reported by NNA:

• 16.73% in Keserwan
• 9.92% in Aley district
• 15.98% in Jbeil district
• 9.06% in Baabda district
• 9.24% in Metn
• 10.68% in Chouf

Out of 833,715 registered voters, 92,132 have turned out so far.

LADE continues to report incidents at polling stations

LADE (the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections) has reported several additional violations and incidents in Mount Lebanon polling stations via X (formerly Twitter).

One reported case involved a violation of voting secrecy at the Barja Girls' Public Intermediate School, where a delegate cast a vote on behalf of a voter.

In Aramoun, a polling station was temporarily closed due to chaos, after a delegate repeatedly entered the voting booth with voters with reduced mobility, despite warnings from the polling station president.

'It's good to have competition' in Baabda

Rim al-Ali, a mother of three boys who lives in Qabb Elias, where her family works in agriculture, told our reporter:

"I came to Baabda from the Bekaa to vote," arriving at 7:30 a.m.

"There are 300 of us from the al-Ali clan here to vote. It's important to vote here because in Qabb Elias we're considered outsiders. This election is interesting — it's good to have competition," she said.

There are three full lists of 15 candidates each running in Baabda-Louaizeh.

'I think the battle will be tough in Baabda'

At the Baabda public school, around a hundred people were queuing to vote, according to our journalist Zeina Antonios. Voters and security forces moved through the crowded corridors.

Marie Helou, whose brother is running for moukhtar, expressed excitement about participating in the first municipal elections in nine years.

“People started arriving around 10 a.m. I think the battle will be tough in Baabda,” she said.

'No pressure' at polling station in Ghadir (Keserwan)

At the Ghadir polling station, a voter named Wafaa stated that “the electoral process is truly democratic, with no pressure whatsoever from anyone.”

She explained that she did not vote for an entire list and hopes for “change in the municipality, just as in the whole country.”

According to the state-run National News Agency, voter turnout in Mount Lebanon exceeded 10% shortly after 11 a.m.

(Credit: NNA.)

Interior Minister votes in Chehim, Chouf

Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar went to Chehim, in the Chouf district, where he cast his vote at a local polling station, according to state-run National News Agency (NNA).

Voters in front of a school in Sarba. (Credit: Suzanne Baaklini.)

For a Sarba voter, the lists are waiting 'until the end of the day to tip the balance'

In Sarba (Jounieh, Keserwan), a voter with friends on both of the competing lists, who wished to remain anonymous, remarked that "the turnout is still modest."

"I believe the two lists are still eyeing each other cautiously and will only mobilize the bulk of their electorate towards the end of the day to tip the balance," he told our journalist on the ground.

Voter turnout just after 10 a.m.

According to participation figures obtained from the Ministry of the Interior around 10 a.m., the voter turnout for the first three hours of the election is as follows:

• 12.7% in Kesrouan
• 6.6% in Metn
• 11.8% in Jbeil
• 7.8% in Aley
• 6.8% in Baabda
• 7.9% in Chouf

In total, according to Ministry figures, 69,631 people had voted by 10 a.m., out of a total of 842,890 voters in the governorate, resulting in an overall participation rate of 8.26% across the region.

Voters at a polling station in Sarba. (Credit: Suzanne Baaklini.)

Testimony from resident of Sarba, one of the five districts of Jounieh (Keserwan)

Josephine, a resident of Jounieh, speaking to our journalist Suzanne Baaklini in Sarba:

"After all these years, it’s nice to vote. The atmosphere is friendly despite the heated electoral battle. I voted for an entire list."

According to our information, a particularly low voter turnout has been recorded so far at the polling station in Laylaki, a southern suburb of Beirut (Baabda district), located at the local mixed public school, where less than 1% of voters have shown up.

L'Orient-Today at polling station in Sarba

At the polling station in Sarba, there is already a large crowd early in the morning, according to our reporter on the ground. This turnout reflects the intensity of the battle between the two competing lists in Jounieh:

• “The Renaissance of Jounieh”, backed by a large coalition of MPs Nehmat Frem and Farid al-Khazen, along with former MP Mansour al-Bone, and supported by the Lebanese Forces and the Kataeb Party.
• “Jounietna”, made up of young people from the city’s prominent families, supported by the outgoing municipal president Juan Hobeiche and, according to the opponents of the list, by the Free Patriotic Movement, although this support has not been officially declared.

Michel Sleiman calls to 'seize the winds of change'

Former President Michel Sleiman stated that today’s elections are “an opportunity for citizens to initiate the true process of reform by voting for municipal councils and mukhtars, as a prelude to the adoption of decentralization based on the principle that the people are the source of authority.”

He added: “Accountability and change are a duty for every citizen once behind the curtain in the voting booth. The opportunity is ripe on a national level and within the framework of the new era – let’s seize the winds of change and think before voting, because thinking afterward is useless.”

“Today, it is the beginning,” he concluded.

Aoun commends TL staff

At the Tele-Liban headquarters, Joseph Aoun praised the staff for their “tremendous and efficient work” despite limited resources.

Geagea praises government's efforts and urges voter participation

In a statement, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said that the organization of the municipal elections is “one of the indicators that Lebanon has entered a new phase.”

He congratulated the government of Nawaf Salam for its “determination” to hold the elections and for the preparations made.

Addressing voters in Mount Lebanon, he called on them to participate massively in the vote.

“This election can, if citizens vote wisely, help improve, develop, and modernize their local areas,” particularly in terms of development and quality of life, he added.

He also expressed hope that the municipal elections would be “a true democratic celebration” and that the competition would “not be about settling scores, but about improving work in towns and villages.”

Several incidents already reported by LADE at polling stations

The LADE (Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections) has already recorded two incidents this morning.

• At Chahniyeh School in Aley, LADE reported a "violation of voting secrecy," without providing further details.
• In a separate incident in Haret Hreik, a voter who was unable to cast his ballot due to missing documents reacted aggressively by hitting the head of the official at polling station number 3 in Haret Hreik, located in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
• According to LADE, security forces intervened and forcibly removed the voter from the premises.

Morning political analysis

For a deeper understanding of the stakes of today’s election — which will serve mainly to measure the balance of power between the two main Christian parties, the Lebanese Forces and the Free Patriotic Movement — you can read Salah Hijazi’s analysis of the key electoral battles to watch in Mount Lebanon.

Interior Minister visits Ghobeiri

Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar also conducted a supervision tour at polling stations in Ghobeiri, a southern suburb of Beirut, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

Aoun, Morcos, and Nassar visit Tele-Liban

President Aoun continued his day by visiting the headquarters of Télé-Liban, Lebanon’s only public television channel, located in Tallet al-Khayat, Beirut. He was accompanied by the Minister of Information, Paul Morcos, and the Minister of Justice, Adel Nassar.

(Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient Today.)

President Aoun, accompanied by the Minister of Interior, Ahmad Hajjar, and the Minister of Justice, Adel Nassar, at the Ministry of Interior for the launch of the municipal elections in Mount Lebanon.

Welcome to our live coverage of this first day of municipal elections in Lebanon.

As announced by the Interior Ministry, the vote begins in Mount Lebanon, where 333 municipal councils are to be elected in as many localities.

Voters aged 21 and above are also called upon to elect mukhtars, local officials in charge of citizen affairs.

We’ll be following the entire day live — from the opening of the polls to the preliminary results in the evening — with updates and reports from our journalists across Mount Lebanon.

Polling stations open since 7 a.m.

In the six districts (cazas) of Mount Lebanon — Metn, Keserwan, Jbeil, Chouf, Aley, and Baabda — polling stations opened their doors at 7 a.m. The atmosphere is described as “calm,” according to the state-run official National News Agency (NNA), and security forces are deployed to prevent any incidents.

In total, 9,321 candidates are running — for both municipal council and mukhtar (local mayor) positions — including 1,179 women.

68 municipal councils out of the 333 to be formed have already been elected unopposed.

Interior Ministry calls for high turnout

On the eve of the election, Saturday night, the Interior Ministry issued a statement calling on Lebanese citizens to “vote in large numbers.”

They wrote on their Facebook page:

“Because the country begins with the municipality… participate in the vote. A call to Lebanese men and women in the Mount Lebanon governorate: vote massively in a spirit of democracy and total transparency.”

What Should You Know About the Vote in Mount Lebanon?

Why is it important in the current political context? Who can vote, where, and when?

Read this guide that answers all your questions:

Everything you need to know about the municipal elections and Sunday’s vote in Mount Lebanon.

President Aoun on supervision tour

To stay informed about the organization of the election and ensure its proper conduct, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun went on a tour of the Interior Ministry in Beirut and various locations in Mount Lebanon.

Aoun on supervision tour: 'revitalize the municipalities, then the entire nation'

At the Interior Ministry, President Aoun stated that “elections are an opportunity for citizens and a natural right.” He confirmed that the security forces had “received strict instructions” to oversee the electoral process and ensure its smooth conduct. “The role of municipalities is central, and this election is crucial,” he added, expressing his “confidence” in the success of the day. “The goal is to revitalize the municipalities, as a step toward revitalizing the entire nation,” he concluded.

The head of state also visited the operations room at the Defense Ministry.

At the Baabda Serail (government building), he praised the work of polling station officials, thanking them for their “tremendous” efforts. “I am confident that the electoral process will proceed under good conditions and in full security,” he added.