Beirut [Lebanon], May 25: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday called on his compatriots to vote en masse in local elections seen as an important litmus test for the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and its allies.
The elections, which have been taking place since the beginning of May, entered their final phase on Saturday in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah traditionally has its strongholds.
The area has been a major battlefield between Hezbollah and Israel since the eruption of the Gaza war in October 2023.
Voting took place in the other regions of the country on previous weekends.
Aoun on Saturday toured parts of southern Lebanon, casting his vote in his hometown of al-Aaishiyah.
"I call on all people to vote in large numbers not only because it is a democratic right, but also because these elections are developmental, not political," he said.
"Votes must be for those who represent [locals] in the development of the cities and villages concerned, and for those who appreciate the people's sacrifices," Aoun added, according to Lebanon's state National News Agency (NNA).
The Lebanese government is under pressure to implement a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that has been in effect since the end of November, amid increasing calls for the disarmament of the militia.
Around 500,000 Lebanese are eligible to participate in Saturday's round of voting, which is being held amid tight security, according to local media.
Voter turnout at 4pm (1300 GMT) stood at 27% in the South Governorate, and at 23.6% in the neighbouring Nabatieh Governorate, the Lebanese media outlet LBC reported, citing figures from the Lebanese Interior Ministry. The election was originally supposed to take place in 2022. However, due to the economic crisis, the massive port explosion in the capital Beirut and administrative issues, it was repeatedly delayed.
Voter turnout and the outcome of the elections in the predominantly Shiite regions of southern Lebanon could provide an insight into Hezbollah's remaining support among the population and its ability to mobilize voters.
For a long time, Hezbollah operated - with the approval of its supporters in the country and Iran's backing - like a state within a state. In addition to its military wing, it also acts as a political party within Lebanon.
Since the war with Israel, Hezbollah is considered to have been significantly weakened.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violations. The Israeli military continues to carry out almost daily attacks in Lebanon, resulting in frequent casualties and injuries.
Source: Qatar Tribune
