Lebanon is set for municipal elections next May, as the situation of the municipalities is alarming. The dissolved municipal councils in all Lebanese regions have reached a total of 119 to date, which is not a small number.

So, will these elections be held amid the ongoing events in the south and fears of further escalation?

In this context, the "Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE)" warned against a third postponement of the municipal and elective elections.

It explained that "the authorities are obligated to conduct the municipal and elective elections on schedule, without any delay, for any reason whatsoever, emphasizing the importance of respecting the constitution, law, democratic principles, and public agency," pointing out the "importance of having municipal councils to address the severe repercussions of multiple crises on the citizens."

Officials have extended the term of municipal and elective councils twice, first in 2022 due to its coincidence with the parliamentary elections, as announced. Secondly, in 2023, citing financial difficulties.

The caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Judge Bassam Mawlawi, emphasized "the necessity of holding municipal elections, in compliance with laws and constitutional and legal deadlines, and to allow Lebanese to choose their closest representatives in local administrations."

Mawlawi explained in an interview with "Al-Joumhouria" newspaper that "municipalities are the only form of decentralization".

He elaborated that "this year's budget has allocated funding for the municipal elections, something that was not available last year."

He hoped that "the situation in the south calms down so that the municipal elections can be held on schedule across all Lebanese territories."

Mawlawi clarified that "the decision to postpone the municipal elections lies solely with the Parliament," indicating that "only the Parliament has the authority to postpone."

He stated, "As for the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, it is committed, like last year, to call the electoral bodies on schedule and set the dates for the municipal elections. Thus, it is ready for these elections."

Regarding the possibility of conducting municipal elections in specific Lebanese regions or towns, particularly in those where the municipal councils have been dissolved, Mawlawi said, "This possibility exists, especially since the law allows the Minister of Interior and Municipalities to complete the municipal elections in some areas and postpone them in others due to security, logistical, or other compelling or emergency reasons that prevent their conduct in those areas, like the security situation in the south, among other emergency security events in some regions."