Minister of Interior Ahmad al-Hajjar announced on Monday that voter turnout in the northern regions reached a general rate of 43.29% during the latest round of municipal elections, with 37.25% turnout in North Lebanon and 49.33% in Akkar.
Speaking at a press conference, Hajjar described the electoral process as having proceeded “well,” despite facing several logistical and security-related challenges that began on Saturday and extended into Sunday. “There were difficulties, particularly concerning security at a number of polling centers,” he said.
According to the figures provided by the minister, 675 complaints and appeals were filed, 143 security incidents were reported and about 120 cases of scuffles or assaults were recorded. Seven people were arrested for their involvement in disturbances, and 15 cases of alleged bribery are currently under investigation. One person was arrested on suspicion of ballot forgery.
Hajjar also expressed his concerns over celebratory gunfire following the announcement of certain results, which led to several people being injured, including LBCI journalist Nada Andraos. One of the injured is reportedly in critical condition. He added, “We are working to arrest those responsible. The Lebanese army has already begun conducting raids, resulting in 34 detentions so far.” The minister called on the Lebanese people to abandon these dangerous practices.
Addressing concerns over the prevalence of weapons, Hajjar emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing arms regulations. “Our approach is clear, no weapons should be in civilian possession without a permit. The state is serious about extending its authority across all Lebanese territory,” he stated.
“The shootings were carried out by individual citizens, not any specific political group, and those involved will face legal action,” he asserted.
Hajjar also commented on a controversial incident involving the Governor of the North, Judge Ramzi Nohra. “One individual filed a complaint against the governor. The governor attempted to defend himself publicly, but that was inappropriate,” Hajjar said. “I told him to allow me to respond instead. No one is above accountability, and all public officials are subject to scrutiny.”
The minister denied reports of a ballot box being stolen in Akkar, asserting that all ballot boxes were “properly handed over to the vote-counting commissions after the ballots were counted in the polling stations, under the escort of Internal Security Forces agents.”
‘Responsible Management’
Later, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued a statement commending the “responsible handling” of the municipal elections in North Lebanon, and expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Interior for its effective organization. He reaffirmed his commitment to combating electoral corruption, emphasizing that “any instance of fraud will be met with firm and decisive action.”
Salam also condemned the gunfire, describing it as “morally and legally unacceptable.” He assured that the harshest penalties would be imposed on those responsible for such acts, and called on citizens to “refrain from using weapons as a means of expression.”
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