Voters in southern Lebanon are casting their ballots in municipal elections that will test the political influence of Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim political and armed group. The elections, which mark the final phase of Lebanon’s staggered local elections, are taking place in a region heavily affected by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said, “The will of life is stronger than death and the will of construction is stronger than destruction,” as he toured the country’s south and voted in his hometown for the first time in 40 years. Hezbollah legislator Ali Fayyad, representing border villages, said, “Southerners are proving again that they are with the choice of resistance.”
Despite being militarily weakened during the conflict, Hezbollah is using these elections to show its continued political influence. Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reported from Nabatieh, “Hezbollah, no doubt was militarily weakened during the conflict; it lost a lot of its military power but it is using these elections as an opportunity to show that it still has political influence.” Many residents in the area feel vulnerable and fear isolation, Khodr added.
The elections come as Lebanon faces the massive task of rebuilding after 14 months of war, with the World Bank estimating reconstruction needs at over $11 billion. Lebanon’s new government has pledged to create a state monopoly on arms, raising pressure on Hezbollah to disarm as required under the US-brokered truce with Israel.
Hezbollah’s influence in South Lebanon was put to the test in recent municipal elections, where the party faced significant challenges in securing support. Despite its strong backing among some segments of the population, Hezbollah’s candidates struggled to win over voters in key municipalities. The party’s efforts were hindered by widespread discontent over corruption, poor governance, and the country’s economic crisis.
The municipal elections highlighted the growing divide between Hezbollah’s political base and the broader Lebanese population. While Hezbollah maintains a strong presence in certain areas, its influence is waning in other parts of the country. The election results will likely have implications for the party’s role in future national elections and its ability to shape Lebanon’s political landscape.