Latest news with #AhmadAlHajjar
LBCI
25-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Interior Minister: No interference in South Lebanon, Nabatieh municipal and mukhtar elections
Interior and Municipalities Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar announced that several complaints were received and followed up on with the security agencies during the municipal and mukhtar elections in the South Lebanon and Nabatieh governorates, but no breaches or interference were recorded. Speaking from the Interior Ministry after polls closed, Al-Hajjar acknowledged that voter turnout was low compared to the 2016 elections. However, he emphasized that after a nine-year hiatus, the most important achievement was that Lebanese citizens exercised their democratic rights. He described uncontested wins as a legitimate democratic outcome, stating that there are no legal issues with such results. Al-Hajjar concluded by expressing hope that the elections will pave the way for renewed energy in local governance, affirming that all recorded incidents were referred to the competent security and judicial authorities, and stressing that no political influence marred the electoral process.
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Lebanon Wraps Up Local Vote in South Amid International Pressure on Israel
Lebanon completed the final phase of its municipal and local elections on Saturday in the southern governorates of South Lebanon and Nabatieh, under what officials described as 'international guarantees' aimed at deterring Israeli interference amid heightened cross-border tensions. The vote went ahead just two days after a violent escalation along the Lebanese-Israeli border, which raised fears of disruption. Lebanese officials said diplomatic pressure was exerted on Israel to avoid any military action that could obstruct the electoral process. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who cast his ballot in his hometown of Al-Aishiyeh in Nabatieh, said there were 'guarantees' that Israel would not launch attacks during the vote. Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar visited polling stations in the border town of Shebaa, echoing those assurances. 'All diplomatic contacts have been reassuring,' he said, emphasizing the state's commitment to safeguarding sovereignty. Despite Israeli drone activity in the skies above southern villages, no airstrikes were recorded, according to local field sources. Violations of the ceasefire agreement were limited to Israeli surveillance and the firing of flares from a military outpost near Shebaa, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported. In remarks from the south, Aoun said: 'The will to live is stronger than death, and the will to build is stronger than the will to destroy.' He added that the elections marked not only the anniversary of Lebanon's 2000 liberation from Israeli occupation, but also a celebration of democracy and the people's right to choose. Aoun began his election day tour at the government compound in the city of Sidon, where he met employees alongside Defense Minister Michel Menassa and Hajjar. In a speech from the compound, he paid tribute to the soldiers and civilians who died defending the south, calling them 'a beacon of freedom and dignity for future generations.' He urged voters to turn out in large numbers, not only as a democratic right but to support candidates capable of rebuilding towns and villages devastated by past conflict. 'These elections are about development, not politics,' he said. Later in Nabatieh, Aoun chaired a security meeting and stressed the significance of holding the vote despite repeated hostilities. 'The people of the south are determined to participate, and that reflects their resilience and commitment to rebuilding,' he said. 'These elections are an opportunity to shape the future for the next generation. It is the duty of every voter to take part in Lebanon's reconstruction,' he added, expressing hope that the coming days would bring an end to the country's suffering and wars. Aoun's visit also held personal significance as he voted in the optional local elections in his hometown, where municipal seats had already been filled by consensus. 'For 40 years I've protected elections; today I vote for the first time – for the development of my village,' the former army chief told reporters after casting his ballot. He said consensus, which led to the uncontested win of municipal candidates in Al-Aishiyeh, was a form of 'consensual democracy,' noting that had there been no agreement, competitive elections would have been held, 'which is natural in a democratic system.' Asked again about the threat of Israeli attacks, Aoun reiterated that 'guarantees are in place,' and called on voters to cast their ballots decisively. 'The message today is that the south is an integral part of Lebanon, and no force should stand in the way of the Lebanese people's will to endure.'
LBCI
24-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanese Interior Minister says holding elections was a challenge, commits to future improvements
Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar confirmed from Jezzine that holding municipal and mukhtar elections on time was a significant challenge for the state and government, but one that was successfully met. He noted that the process concludes today with several observations that will serve as lessons for upcoming electoral events. Al-Hajjar stated that citizens, the state, and the ministry were all satisfied with the electoral process, highlighting the public's eagerness to exercise their democratic rights. He emphasized that municipalities are the front line in providing services to citizens. Addressing logistical issues, he acknowledged that vote counting in Tripoli took a long time, but the results were reliable. In Beirut, he said the ministry managed to address delays through close coordination with judges and by providing computers that facilitated and accelerated the tallying of votes.
LBCI
24-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Interior Minister highlights security and unity as municipal elections begin
Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar confirmed that Lebanon has received support from the ceasefire committee member states to help safeguard the electoral process, allowing citizens to exercise their democratic rights safely. Speaking during the launch of the municipal elections, Hajjar underscored the critical role municipalities play in driving local development and announced efforts to reinstate funding to the municipal fund. He emphasized that Lebanon is once again rising to meet challenges, noting that the election process is proceeding securely, with logistical shortcomings being addressed. He added that most complaints received so far do not appear serious. Addressing the broader regional context, Hajjar condemned Israeli attacks that have impacted the entire country, stressing that all Lebanese have been affected and reaffirming Lebanon's unity. He hoped that the municipal and local elections would mark the first step in Lebanon's reconstruction—particularly in the south. He praised the resilience of residents in Marjayoun, highlighting their commitment to democracy through voter turnout.
LBCI
21-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Interior Minister discusses with Berri developments ahead of final round of municipal elections in South Lebanon
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met on Wednesday with Interior and Municipalities Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar at the second presidency headquarters in Ain el-Tineh to review the latest developments. Talks focused on preparations for the final phase of the municipal and mukhtar elections, scheduled for Saturday in the South Lebanon and Nabatieh governorates.
