In a recent statement, leader of the Lebanese Forces (LF) Samir Geagea emphasized the importance of adhering to the electoral schedule despite ongoing security challenges in southern Lebanon.
With the municipal and local council terms set to conclude by the end of May, Geagea acknowledged the significant military activities hindering the completion of elections in various parts of southern Lebanon. However, he stressed that “leaving the country in a state of paralysis when it comes to essential authorities and their responsibilities towards the people is not an option.”
Geagea highlighted the legal requirement for summoning electoral bodies at least 90 days before the due date, calling on caretaker Minister of Interior Bassam Mawlawi to issue a decree on the matter before the 26th of this month.
“Using the military situation in the South as an excuse to perpetuate the country’s paralysis is unacceptable,” Geagea stated.
“We can consider postponing the elections in municipalities experiencing military operations, as they are under compelling circumstances,” he said. “However, this does not mean we should once again leave the country without municipal elections.”
His statement underscores the deteriorating state of many municipalities, which Geagea described as having become “dysfunctional and impacted by paralysis and boredom due to extensions.”
This follows two rescheduled local elections initially set for 2022, now slated to take place before the end of May this year, at the latest. With time ticking away, concerns are growing that the same scenario witnessed in the last two years might recur.
