- 14:55
In the Mount Lebanon Mohafaza, municipal elections kicked off on Sunday morning with a relatively high voter turnout reported by early afternoon, according to data released by the Ministry of Interior.
Out of 833,715 registered voters, 162,271 cast their ballots, with turnout rates recorded at 34.08% in Keserwan, 23.64% in Aley, 32.26% in Jbeil, 20.60% in Baabda, 24.11% in Shouf and 20.80% in Metn.
It is worth recalling that in the 2016 municipal elections, turnout had reached 65% in Jbeil, 62.80% in Keserwan, 58.24% in Metn, 53.50% in Shouf, 52% in Aley and 50.20% in Baabda.
While the process has been unfolding in a relatively calm atmosphere, 278 complaints have been filed, according to figures provided by the Interior Ministry, which noted that most issues have been resolved.
The Ministry of Interior published a chart on Sunday on its official X account comparing voter turnout rates in the Mount Lebanon Governorate between the 2016 and 2025 municipal and mukhtar elections, as of 3 PM on election day. Turnout in 2025 is lower than in 2016, at 31.6% compared to 38.70%.
Metn: The Epicenter of Major Battles
The Metn district is witnessing some of the most high-profile races, particularly for control of the Federation of Municipalities. Since 1998, Mirna Murr, the head of the Bteghrine municipal council, has led the federation. She now faces a challenge from Nicole Gemayel, the President of the Bikfaya municipal council and the sister of Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel.
Metn has 177,166 eligible voters electing 43 municipal councils, with 13 councils already elected unopposed. An additional 183,798 voters are eligible to elect local mukhtars, although 37 have already been appointed by acclamation.
In Jdeideh-Bauchrieh-Sad, the municipal council consists of 21 members: 5 from Jdeideh, 9 from Bauchrieh and 7 from Sad al-Bauchrieh.
There is a major competition between two rival lists: “It’s Time,” headed by Auguste César Bakhos and backed by the Kataeb, Lebanese Forces (LF) and MP Ibrahim Kanaan; and a list led by Jean Abou Jaoude, supported by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), Michel Murr and local figures.
In the towns of Fanar, Beit Meri, Dahr al-Sawan, Ain Saadeh, Dekwaneh, Broummana and Antoura, the voting is proceeding normally, with political rivalries driving the contests more than family dynamics.
In Sin al-Fil, the LF back a list led by current municipal head Nabil Kahale, which includes members affiliated with the Kataeb.
In Mansourieh-Mkalles-Daychounieh, two full lists of 12 members each are competing, while in Bikfaya, Nicole Gemayel leads a full list against a partial one headed by Assaad Omeira.
In Beit Chabab, two political blocs face off: one led by Selim Kanaan, supported by the LF, and the other by Camille Chaaya, backed by the FPM, Kataeb and the National Democratic Party.
Khenchara, Choueir, Bteghrine: Tensions and Alliances
In Khenchara, two lists are vying for control: one led by Fadi Samaha, backed by Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab, and the other by Tanios Samaha, supported by the Kataeb and Michel Murr. In Choueir, Bou Saab’s hometown, the “Al-Wifaq” list is battling an incomplete list and several independents. In Bteghrine, Mirna Murr is seeking to maintain her position against a divided opposition.
Southern Suburbs: Mobilization in Full Swing
In Beirut’s southern suburbs, elections are being held in several municipalities, including Ghobeiri and Haret Hreik. In Ghobeiri, two lists are competing: the 21-member “Development and Loyalty” list faces the incomplete “Ghobeiri Unites Us” list (5 members). In Haret Hreik, the contest pits a list supported by Shia parties against one formed by local notables. Other municipalities in the area, such as Burj al-Barajneh and Chiyah, saw candidates win by acclamation.
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