The outcome of the elections for the presidency of the Union of Municipalities of Metn came as no surprise to one prominent political source, who cited entrenched interests and resistance to reform as key factors behind the vote.

According to the source, who spoke to Lebanon24 website, the core of the issue lies in the Union’s technical office, which operates uniquely outside the authority of Lebanon’s public urban planning institutions.

“The technical office affiliated to the Metn Union is the only one in the country not under the jurisdiction of public institutions such as the Directorate of Urban Planning,” the source explained. “It is tightly controlled by a permanent employee and has legalized tens of thousands of building code violations in Northern Metn, particularly those linked to the construction trade.”

This structure, the source added, serves the interests of veteran mayors across the region who have little incentive to alter the status quo.

“No experienced mayor wants to see that office reintegrated into the formal planning system, as is the case in all other districts and governorates,” he said.

While the Union vote may have initially seemed procedural, the race took on clear political dimensions in its final days.

“Despite being national allies, the major political factions in Metn were not comfortable with the prospect of the Kataeb Party assuming the leadership of the Union,” the source noted. “Their position during the final stages of the race was deliberately ambiguous.”

The campaign of Bikfaya Mayor Nicole Gemayel, who ran on a platform of legal accountability, administrative reform, and strict enforcement of municipal regulations, was seen as a disruptive force to the current system.

“Her message unsettled many mayors who prefer to operate within the comfort of long-standing bureaucratic routines,” the source said. “They are reluctant to embrace the wave of reform that is beginning to take hold in Metn.”

Economic pressure also played a role. In smaller municipalities, where the number of eligible voters does not exceed 400, the financial limitations of local leaders made them more vulnerable to political and social pressure.

“Several mayors in these areas were unable to resist external pressure,” the source said.

In contrast, larger municipalities along Metn’s coast and in its central areas, with municipal councils of 18 to 21 members, took a clearer stance, expressing support for change and backing reformist efforts.

The result, the source concluded, reflects a deeper tension between those seeking to maintain long-standing practices and those advocating for transparency, legal reform, and stronger governance in local institutions.