Lebanon Postpones Local Elections Amid Deepening Crises

Lebanon's parliament is set to vote on Thursday to extend the terms of municipal councils until May 2025, marking the third postponement of local elections in the country. The move has drawn criticism from opposition groups and civil society organizations, who argue that delaying the elections undermines democracy and exacerbates the crises facing Lebanese citizens and institutions.

Several parliamentary groups, including the Lebanese Forces, Kataeb, and independent change MPs, have announced they will boycott the session, citing constitutional violations. However, the required quorum of 65 out of 128 MPs is expected to be easily met, with the Free Patriotic Movement and the Hezbollah-Amal alliance planning to attend.

The postponement comes amid a presidential vacancy and ongoing economic turmoil in Lebanon. About 134 out of 1,064 municipalities have already been dissolved, and many others are dysfunctional due to resignations or other reasons. The interior minister has issued calls for elections in some regions, but the plan has faced opposition from the main Shiite parties, Hezbollah and Amal, citing security concerns in the south.

Why this matters: The repeated delays in holding municipal elections reflect a broader erosion of democracy and public trust in Lebanon's political establishment. As the country grapples with economic collapse, political paralysis, and regional instability, the failure to hold timely local elections further weakens governance and deprives citizens of a voice in their communities.

Activists plan to protest the postponement outside the InterContinental Phoenicia hotel in Beirut on April 25, demanding full access to their bank deposits amid the deteriorating economic situation. Increased security and localized transport disruptions are likely in the area, with the possibility of clashes between police and protesters if the demonstrators are overly disruptive or ignore orders to disperse.

The repeated deferral of municipal elections has become a pattern in Lebanon, reminiscent of the 1960s when local elections were postponed for over three decades. While parliamentary elections have also faced delays, municipal polls were held in 1998, 2004, 2010, and 2016, with the last one viewed as an opportunity for democratic renewal. However, the current postponement reflects a government more concerned with maintaining power than upholding state institutions and the rule of law.

Lebanon's municipal councils are responsible for various local tasks, but the promise of decentralization and local empowerment mentioned in the Taif Agreement has remained elusive. The postponement of these critical elections further erodes public trust and deepens disillusionment with the political establishment, as Lebanese citizens continue to face economic hardship, political instability, and deteriorating living conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Lebanon's parliament to vote on extending municipal councils' terms to 2025.
• This marks the third postponement of local elections, drawing criticism from opposition.
• Ongoing economic crisis and political paralysis further weaken governance and public trust.
• Activists plan protests over delayed elections and restricted bank access on April 25.
• Postponement reflects government's priority of maintaining power over upholding institutions.