Many fail to fully grasp the role and importance of municipal elections, which are largely regarded as little more than a routine event or a contest among families and relatives. Political parties further fuel these rivalries, especially in larger towns and villages, where they treat the poll and the local leaders as instruments to advance their interests in parliamentary elections. As a result, municipalities remain confined among individuals and families, while parties strengthen their grip on power at a broader level.
As Lebanon moves toward expanded administrative decentralization, as stipulated in the Taif Agreement and reaffirmed by both President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the beginning of the new presidential mandate, it is expected to place greater emphasis on the crucial role of municipalities in decision-making and local development.
Lebanon faces numerous challenges, yet the central government is not responsible for aspects of daily life that directly impact individual well-being. In fact, municipalities have the capability to drive meaningful internal change, improving both living conditions and social well-being. However, the financial crisis and dwindling resources have significantly undermined their ability to perform and adapt to evolving realities.
The crises related to electricity, water, waste, roads, and other services only intensified. While the central government is responsible for setting public policies, municipalities are tasked with addressing local conditions, as evidenced since 2015, when some municipalities adopted local solutions for the waste crisis. These included engaging citizens in household waste sorting and recycling practices that generated funds from selling recyclable materials.
The role of the head of municipality is far from ceremonial. He or she can be active in many fields such as improving roads, clearing drainage systems before winter, developing green space programs, managing waste, supporting local businesses, institutions, and factories, overseeing urban planning, issuing permits, and more.
Even before a full-fledged decentralization is introduced, jurisdictions provide the municipal council with the power to organize and manage local affairs, turning the municipality into a dynamic, multi-functional entity capable of executing large-scale projects.
In this regard, the head of municipality functions as a minister of development, environment, agriculture, public works, economy, finance, tourism, culture, and even energy and interior, all within the scope of the town. Numerous initiatives, such as solar-powered lighting, incentives for alternative energy, and improvements to roads and sidewalks, have been implemented.
Thus, the approach to municipal elections should involve the development of clear plans for improving local conditions. The overall situation can improve if each municipality carries out its duties in an efficient way. Otherwise, the concept of municipal elections will remain confined to the narrow policies of prominent local families.
Comments