• Lebanon holds its first municipal elections in nearly a decade after a war with Israel and Hezbollah.
• Polls opened at 7 am and are expected to see varied voter turnout across regions.
• The elections come amid ongoing economic struggles and a fragile ceasefire with Israel.

On May 4, 2024, Lebanon began the first stage of long-awaited municipal elections, marking the first voting opportunity since a devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Polls opened at 7 am in the Mount Lebanon district, which includes Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold heavily damaged by Israeli strikes. President Joseph Aoun emphasized the significance of this election, stating it aims to demonstrate Lebanon's commitment to rebuilding its institutions as the country grapples with a five-year economic crisis and calls for international support, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

According to state news agency NNA, voter turnout ranged between 11% and 30% within the first five hours of voting, with expectations of increased participation in the afternoon. President Aoun, who visited the Interior Ministry to supervise the electoral process, assured voters of a secure and transparent election, noting, “Elections are an opportunity for the citizens,” as reported by Anadolu Agency and TRT Global.

The absence of municipal elections since 2016 reflects Lebanon's ongoing challenges, including postponements due to external conflicts, particularly Israeli military actions. The current elections are taking place under a fragile ceasefire that has seen continued violations by Israeli forces, despite the Turkish-supported political reforms aimed at stabilizing the country, according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and TRT Global.

The elections are pivotal for reshaping local governance amid substantial political shifts post-conflict. Voters will elect representatives in several rounds, with areas like northern Lebanon scheduled to vote on May 11, and an expectation that the turnout will reflect the citizens' resolve to navigate their national struggles, as emphasized by the newly formed government’s call for reforms and rebuilding trust, according to Anadolu Agency and TRT Global.