Lara Saade, head of the Kataeb Party’s Legislative and Public Policy Department, has strongly rejected calls to delay Lebanon’s municipal elections, arguing that they must proceed as scheduled in May. Saade highlighted that Lebanon’s transition to a new political era, with a new government in place, makes it crucial to uphold the democratic process and restore institutional order. Her comments come in response to a proposal by MPs Mark Daou and Waddah Sadek to postpone the elections yet again.

Speaking to Voice of Lebanon radio, Saade emphasized that the country now has a new government, giving hope to the Lebanese people by restoring institutional order and political normalcy. With municipal elections already delayed three times, she asserted that holding them in May is a necessary step. She also recalled that the Kataeb Party had filed three appeals before the Constitutional Council to challenge previous extensions of municipal councils.

Saade underscored that timely elections would offer a glimmer of hope to the Lebanese people, reviving democratic life after years of stagnation. She pointed out that the Ministry of Interior has confirmed its readiness, budget allocations have been secured in the recently approved state budget, and the Prime Minister has reiterated his commitment to holding the elections.

"This will restore citizens’ long-denied civil and political rights—specifically their right to vote at the local level and hold their representatives accountable," she said, adding that no technical, logistical, or financial obstacles justify another postponement.

On logistical arrangements, Saade affirmed that the Ministry of Interior is fully prepared, with support from the UNDP. She acknowledged security concerns in southern Lebanon but noted that the ministry has a plan to relocate polling stations to neighboring areas, ensuring the elections proceed as scheduled.

Regarding voting in border and occupied areas, Saade outlined two proposals: holding elections in nearby villages, as suggested by the Ministry of Interior, or postponing them until those areas are liberated. However, she rejected the latter option, arguing that the South urgently needs legitimate municipal bodies to oversee reconstruction and support residents amid the collapse of public institutions.

"The South, more than any other region, needs municipal elections to reinstate state institutions," she said, highlighting Army Commander Joseph Aoun’s ability to leverage diplomatic ties to shield Lebanon’s electoral process from security threats.

When asked about the absence of a mega center voting system, Saade acknowledged its importance as a reform but insisted it does not present an obstacle to the upcoming elections, as alternative solutions have been found.

On Lebanon’s municipal election framework, she described it as relatively sound but in need of improvement. The Kataeb Party, she explained, has proposed reforms, including a system where voters would directly elect both the municipal council and its head. Under this proposal, the winning list would secure 51% of the seats, following a system of "weighted proportionality" to ensure stability and prevent councils from being dissolved.

Saade argued that adopting the Kataeb Party’s electoral mechanism would strengthen municipal stability. While family affiliations remain dominant in local elections, she noted that political parties exert greater influence in major municipalities.

She also criticized the excessive pre-approval oversight imposed on municipal councils, stating that the current system creates bureaucratic paralysis.

"Our proposal significantly reduces prior approvals while reinforcing post-audit oversight by the Court of Accounts to ensure accountability without obstructing municipal work," she explained.

Saade highlighted the recurring problem of municipal elections coinciding with parliamentary or presidential votes. To resolve this, the Kataeb Party has proposed fixing municipal terms at five years to prevent overlaps and eliminate justifications for postponements.

On voting rights for long-term residents, Saade acknowledged the argument for "fiscal justice"—allowing taxpayers to vote on services they receive. However, she warned that in areas with significant demographic shifts, such a measure could enable outsiders to influence municipal decision-making in ways that do not necessarily reflect the interests of long-standing residents.

Saade also called for pre-printed ballots to eliminate voting irregularities witnessed in previous elections and reinforced the importance of ballot secrecy, urging the Ministry of Interior to strengthen protective measures.

Turning to financial transparency, Saade stressed that municipalities are legally required to publish their budgets and that citizens have the right to scrutinize how public funds are used. She urged the public to hold local representatives accountable.

She also criticized the government’s failure to distribute financial revenues to municipalities in a timely manner, undermining their autonomy. Telecom revenue, she said, could fund significant development projects if properly allocated.

Lebanon, she pointed out, has an unusually high number of municipalities relative to its population, arguing that many lack financial and administrative viability. She called for a reassessment of municipal structures and the potential consolidation of smaller councils.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by municipalities in recent years, Saade noted that they have endured multiple crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic collapse, and an influx of displaced persons. She revealed that 15% of municipal councils have been dissolved, with local governors unable to effectively replace them.

On women’s representation in municipal councils, Saade lamented the slow progress, noting that female representation increased by just 0.8% between 2010 and 2016, reaching only 5.3%.

"At this rate, it will take centuries to reach the 30% quota needed for fair representation," she said, advocating for gender quotas to accelerate change.

She also pointed to social barriers preventing women from running for office, including entrenched patriarchal attitudes and skepticism about female leadership in local governance.

Finally, Saade argued that Lebanon’s rigid regulatory framework hampers municipal efficiency.

"Strict pre-approval procedures and centralized control have paralyzed local governance," she said, adding that if Lebanon were to adopt the Kataeb Party’s proposed decentralization and municipal reform laws, the country would move toward more effective local governance.