Meeting at the Sidon Serail (South Lebanon) on May 20, 2025, under the supervision of Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar, concerning the municipal elections in South Lebanon. (Credit: Mountasser Abdallah.)
Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar affirmed on Tuesday the government's determination to hold municipal elections as scheduled this Saturday in South Lebanon. Diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure the smooth execution of the electoral process, despite ongoing sporadic Israeli attacks in the region.
Hajjar met with South Governor Mansour Daou and regional security, military, and judicial representatives to discuss the logistics. He later chaired a local security council meeting in Nabatieh, attended by Governor Houweida Turk. These discussions address the electoral participation of citizens in an area still experiencing daily strikes, even after the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement on November 27.
When asked about potential Israeli aggression during the electoral process, Hajjar stated that the government's stance was firm: "There is no room for compromise on sovereignty, spanning from the border villages to the Awali River." Despite continued Israeli occupation in parts of the South, the state, led by the President, Prime Minister, and the Interior Minister, conducts necessary dialogue to end violations, particularly during elections, vote counting, and results announcement.
He expressed hope that dialogues with the ceasefire monitoring committee will ensure a calm voting day on Saturday. However, "we await no guarantees; we are determined to conduct the elections, assert our sovereignty, and maintain our presence in this valuable part of our territory," he added.
Preparations Completed
"In the event of violations or aggression, the directive is clear: complete the electoral process and address immediate ground situations," Hajjar asserted. He confirmed that "preparations are fully completed," with efforts ongoing around the clock for election day. The ministry aims to address past shortcomings in municipal elections elsewhere, hoping the state reasserts its presence and sovereignty in the South during the elections' final phase.
From Nabatieh, Hajjar emphasized that "holding municipal elections in the South, especially in Nabatieh, is the paramount message to our people, demonstrating our commitment to rebuilding our country." He also mentioned a "unique security situation north of the Litani River, particularly in Nabatieh." "The army is ready to enforce Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire. Security services are fully prepared, with a deployment plan discussed with military representatives to ensure the safety of voters and all participants," concluded Hajjar.