MP Elias Hankach on Sunday praised the ongoing municipal elections as a much-needed return to democratic normalcy, voicing hope that the vote would serve as a catalyst for wider democratic reforms in the country.

“People have longed for this democratic celebration,” Hankach told local broadcaster MTV before entering the polling station to cast his vote in his hometown of Roumieh.

“We hope these elections will lay the foundation for transparent parliamentary elections in the future and help bring vital development back to our towns,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to President Joseph Aoun, the Interior Ministry, and the country’s security forces for what he described as “intensive and commendable efforts” to ensure the elections were held on time and in a secure environment.

Turning to the specific needs of his hometown, Hankach highlighted the challenges facing Roumieh, particularly youth emigration. He stressed the importance of investing in local development to retain young people and promote sustainable growth.

“Roumieh needs more investment in development to reduce the outflow of young people,” he said. “All municipalities must adopt a development-oriented approach in order to retain their youth and secure a sustainable future for local communities.”

Speaking to LBCI, Hankach noted that family dynamics tend to shape local elections in rural areas, where elections are primarily development-driven. In contrast, coastal regions, he noted, often see more politically charged races that serve as a warm-up for upcoming parliamentary elections.
 
“There’s a new energy in the country,” he said. “There’s real hope that we can start functioning like a normal state. What matters now is that this competitive spirit carries on with transparency and fairness.”