Meeting at the Saida Serail (South Lebanon) on May 20, 2025, under the supervision of the Minister of Interior Ahmad Hajjar, concerning the municipal elections in South Lebanon. (Photo obtained by L'Orient Today's correspondent Muntasser Abdallah)
Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar expressed his commitment on Tuesday to hold the scheduled municipal elections in South Lebanon this Saturday, highlighting diplomatic efforts to ensure the election proceeds smoothly despite ongoing Israeli attacks in the region.
Hajjar spoke with the Governor of South Lebanon, Mansour Daou, and representatives from security, military and judicial sectors about ensuring the elections run smoothly. He later chaired a local security council meeting in Nabatieh, attended by Governor Huweida Turk. These meetings came as voting plans were under question due to daily strikes in the region, despite the cease-fire agreement between Lebanon and Israel on Nov. 27.
When asked about potential Israeli aggression during Saturday’s election, Hajjar stated that the state’s decision was clear: there is no room for compromise on sovereignty from border villages to the Awali River.
"Although part of the South remains occupied and Israeli attacks continue, the state and government, led by the president, prime minister, and interior minister, are working to end these violations, particularly during the elections, vote-counting, and result publication," he said.
He also expressed hope that communication with the cease-fire monitoring committee members would lead to a peaceful election day on Saturday. "Regardless, we do not await guarantees, but we are determined to conduct the elections, assert our sovereignty, and be present in this cherished part of our territory," he added.
Preparations Completed
The interior minister praised the Lebanese Army, primarily tasked with implementing Resolution 1701 and overseeing the cease-fire agreement, along with all security forces supporting the electoral process.
"In case of any violations or aggression, the directive is clear to complete the electoral process and address the situation immediately on the ground," he stated. He noted that all preparations were completed and ongoing day and night for the election day.
Hajjar said that the ministry has worked to "rectify all deficiencies and shortcomings experienced during municipal elections in the rest of the country," hoping the state "will reestablish its presence and affirm its sovereignty in the South during the final municipal phase."
