Latest news with #localDevelopment
LBCI
26-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Bassil says the FPM remains a major political force
Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader MP Gebran Bassil said municipal union elections are not solely about local development but are increasingly taking on a political dimension. He pointed to the FPM's recent victory in the Matn municipal union as the opening chapter in a broader electoral push. Turning to the southern district of Jezzine, Bassil remarked, "Watch with us how the Jezzine chapter will end. The Lebanese Forces claim they lost the city but won the union, while I say we won most of Jezzine's municipalities, and the union result will speak for itself." Bassil reaffirmed his party's commitment to supporting municipalities at both the local and national levels, highlighting two main priorities: the Syrian refugee issue and expanded administrative decentralization. He dismissed suggestions of his party's decline, asserting, "The FPM remains a major political force. Claims of its end are baseless. We are significantly stronger in these municipal elections compared to 2016." Bassil concluded by emphasizing that the FPM had once again demonstrated its presence and strength in Jezzine and South Lebanon whether through municipal councils or local mukhtars.
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
11-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Governor Labaki urges democratic spirit as Akkar votes in long-delayed municipal elections
Akkar Governor Imad Labaki said all polling stations across the northern Lebanese district opened on time and were operating smoothly, with only minor technical or administrative issues reported and addressed immediately. Speaking to the state-owned National News Agency, Labaki noted that while some villages in Akkar are known for tense and highly competitive races, security forces were deployed in large numbers to prevent or manage any potential disruptions. Labaki confirmed that 51 municipalities in Akkar were elected unopposed, with the final consensus reached late Saturday night. 'We also have about 51 mukhtars (village leaders) chosen by acclamation. That means roughly 47% of Akkar's 145 municipalities are already settled, which reflects a spirit of cooperation and shared commitment to local development,' he said. As for the vote count, Labaki said the main and backup electoral committees, along with supervising judges, would begin receiving ballot boxes from 7 p.m. 'We have 11 committees spread across the civil and religious courts and the governorate offices,' he said. Labaki also pointed to the long delay in municipal elections. 'It's been nine years since the last elections, and many councils were extended beyond their mandate. Twenty-three municipalities in Akkar had been dissolved, which harmed local administration and development. We hope today's democratic competition matches the spirit of consensus seen in the uncontested wins.'
