The Minister of the Interior, Ahmad Hajjar, during his interview with Al-Amn magazine. (Credit: NNA.)
The Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Ahmad Hajjar, expressed hope to see online voting activated for the upcoming legislative elections to be held in May 2026 in Lebanon.
"I am actively participating in the meetings of the parliamentary committees dedicated to examining the proposed amendments to the electoral law, particularly regarding the vote of expatriates and the introduction of the magnetic voter card. In addition, a ministerial committee, which I chair along with several concerned ministers, has been formed to study these modifications. The primary goal is to ensure that the elections are held within the designated time frame, despite security and administrative challenges," the minister said in an interview with Al-Amn magazine, specializing in security matters, relayed by the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Hajjar added: "Our ambition is to organize the elections electronically, with just a click. However, this requires preparations and an infrastructure that may not be operational for the next election. We are currently working on establishing the electronic identity card [Digital ID] as well as mobilizing the necessary funding. As for the magnetic card, it is still under thorough study, closely linked to the electoral reforms that we are closely monitoring."
He also assured that the legislative elections would be held on schedule, and they will be a true reflection of the popular will, as well as a renewal of political life in Lebanon. He also judged that the municipal elections last May "were conducted excellently despite all existing difficulties and challenges, knowing that preparations were made in a short time after the formation of the government" of Nawaf Salam, in February.
"We are currently conducting a comprehensive evaluation to benefit from it during the next legislative elections," he added.
Minister Hajjar also addressed the issue of tourist safety, as the ceasefire declared a few days ago between Iran and Israel, after 12 days of war, convinced many Lebanese to maintain their plans to come to Lebanon, while the United Arab Emirates lifted the ban on their citizens visiting the country.
"Despite the circumstances you mention," in reference to the regional security context as well as Israeli violations of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, "we developed a security plan a few weeks ago to protect tourists, whether they are Lebanese returning from abroad or coming from Arab or Western countries, by creating a pleasant climate," the minister said.
"These measures began at the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, with an increase in the number of counters and the facilitation of entry and exit procedures, including a project to improve the airport road [lighting, development, beautification], under the supervision of the Prime Minister and several ministers, including myself. We have also strengthened security measures, visible and discreet, along the entire route to downtown Beirut, as well as throughout Lebanon, particularly in areas frequented by tourists in Beirut, on the coast, and in the mountains," he explained.
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