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Nine years after they were last held—after a hiatus marked by repeated postponements—municipal elections in Lebanon are scheduled to take place over four consecutive Sundays beginning on May 4.
The conditions under which the 2016 elections were conducted have changed dramatically. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group, has lost significant political influence following the decimation of much of its leadership and arsenal. Meanwhile, its Christian ally, the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), has seen a sharp decline in popularity, with several MPs resigning over disagreements with party leader Gebran Bassil.
In Batroun district—once a stronghold of the FPM, which was founded by former President Michel Aoun—uncertainty now prevails. The FPM, which secured a commanding lead in the previous election, appears to be struggling to maintain its footing.
In Batroun city, the FPM will run on a joint list with the Lebanese Forces (LF), marking a rare alliance between the long-standing Christian rivals.
“It can't be called an alliance,” LF MP Ghayath Yazbeck, who hails from Batroun, told This is Beirut. “It’s more of a pragmatic decision to avoid an electoral battle, especially given that neither party could claim a clear victory on its own. It's more of a partnership.”
Yazbeck added that the goal is to foster local development, “That’s why the joint list features new faces—young, promising candidates bringing fresh energy.”
In 2016, the LF-FPM alliance helped secure Michel Aoun’s presidency and gave the FPM an apparent landslide in Batroun’s municipal elections. But that outcome, Yazbeck argued, overstated the FPM’s actual popularity.
“We gave them a wide margin in many municipalities, which didn’t reflect their true weight. Their popularity has since declined across the district, including in Batroun city.”
Batroun, once a quiet coastal town dependent on fishing and sponge diving, has transformed into a bustling tourist hotspot. Commercial development has consumed large portions of residential land, altering the city’s character.
Yazbeck warned that overtourism is straining local life. “More than 70% of the area has been commercialized, making it increasingly unlivable. Many residents are relocating to quieter areas to escape the congestion and noise.”
Tackling overcrowding will be a key challenge for the incoming municipal council. “New projects will be launched to mitigate the problem,” said Yazbeck, emphasizing the need to balance commerce with the city’s socio-cultural identity.
In Tannourine—the district’s largest village and a traditional stronghold of former minister and MP Boutros Harb—the political map is also taking shape. Harb’s list has long dominated local elections, despite a strong challenge from the FPM-LF alliance in 2016.
For this year’s vote, Harb is aligning with the LF and Kataeb parties across the district, with the exception of Batroun city.
“We have a clear alliance at the municipal and union levels,” Harb’s son Majd told This is Beirut. “We’re preparing to form a new municipal council composed of young people, with plans rooted in short-, medium- and long-term goals.”
Majd Harb, a lawyer, emphasized that candidate selection in Tannourine reflects grassroots input. “The people of the village, not political parties, choose their representatives for the six-year term.”
He also highlighted the financial difficulties facing municipalities. “We’re fully aware of the economic constraints. One solution is to pursue public-private partnerships to drive local development.”
While no opposition list has been declared in Tannourine ahead of the April 30 candidacy deadline, Harb said he hopes to avoid an electoral showdown. “Although we value the democratic process, we believe unnecessary tensions should be avoided—especially since the FPM lacks a strong presence here.”
Voter decisions are likely to be influenced by personal and family ties, as well as the candidates’ ability to deliver services. Nevertheless, the results will provide insight into broader voter sentiment and help political parties prepare for next year’s legislative elections.
This is Beirut contacted FPM officials regarding their plans for the municipal elections but did not receive a response.
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