With Lebanon’s municipal elections set for May, ensuring they proceed as scheduled is not just a legal obligation; it’s a democratic necessity. These elections are just as critical as parliamentary ones, shaping local governance and development. More than a procedural event, they represent a fundamental opportunity to rebuild local authority and drive progress, engaging communities of all backgrounds—familial, political, and sectarian—despite their differing perspectives and priorities.

Recognizing the high stakes, the Kataeb Party is mobilizing across Lebanon to guarantee the success of these elections. Municipalities play a key role in fostering development and improving local governance, and for Kataeb, this effort is about service, not political point-scoring or sidelining rivals under the guise of “settling old scores.” For decades, Kataeb has worked to support Lebanon’s villages, not exploit them for political gain. In the absence of a functioning State and amid growing hardships, the party sees decentralization as a crucial path forward, one that isn’t just enshrined in legal texts but deeply embedded in its political philosophy, materializing through municipal elections.

For Kataeb, decentralization isn’t about division; it’s about strengthening national unity, driving change, and fostering strategic thinking. It’s about empowering municipalities to understand and embrace their responsibilities, particularly in urban planning, where the Kataeb Party has long played a leading role. The party has championed the preservation of public spaces, protected them from encroachments, and promoted a culture of civic engagement by encouraging dialogue and raising awareness about rights and responsibilities.

Kataeb has also been a strong advocate for women’s political participation. In 2017, party leader MP Samy Gemayel introduced a bill calling for a minimum 30% quota for women in municipal elections. He also previously proposed an urgent draft law to exempt Lebanese women running in parliamentary, municipal, or local heads (mukhtar) elections from candidacy fees and electoral deposits for two cycles—an initiative aimed at removing financial barriers that often prevent women from entering the political arena.

As Lebanon prepares for these elections, the Kataeb Party remains focused on ensuring that local governance serves the people, strengthens communities, and drives real change where it matters most.

This is an English adaptation of an Arabic article written by Chady Hilani.