Hezbollah Claims Sweeping Victory in Lebanese Local Elections Amid Political Posturing
Executive Summary
Hezbollah and its political ally, the Amal Movement, secured a commanding victory in Lebanon’s third round of municipal and mayoral elections, particularly in the strongholds of Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel. Candidates backed by the “Development and Loyalty” coalition won decisively across these regions, while Hezbollah also claimed victories in Beirut amid low voter turnout. Though framed by some factions as a symbolic referendum on Hezbollah’s “resistance” role, the elections took place under the shadow of Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis and regional tensions. Preliminary results suggest sectarian alliances and local patronage networks remain deeply entrenched in shaping electoral outcomes.
Analysis
Lebanon’s third phase of local elections—covering Beirut, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel—ended with clear wins for Hezbollah and Amal in their traditional bases. Officials from the groups declared a near-total sweep in the Bekaa region and Baalbek-Hermel Governorate. In Baalbek, Hezbollah-backed candidates reportedly won by a margin of over 6,000 votes, while in Douris and surrounding areas, opposition efforts were largely overwhelmed. Voter turnout in Baalbek-Hermel reached nearly 49%, among the highest in this election phase, reflecting strong mobilization efforts by the so-called “national duo.”
In contrast, Beirut recorded low participation at around 20%. Despite this, Hezbollah candidates again emerged successful, winning seats with the backing of a broad coalition that included other major parties such as the Free Patriotic Movement, Lebanese Forces, and Socialist Party. The electoral bloc, dubbed “Beirut Brings Us Together,” capitalized on voter frustration with what some see as the ineffectiveness of “change MPs” elected in the 2022 parliamentary elections. Observers note that many Beirut voters opted for lists promising administrative competence and balance over partisan ideology.
However, contrary to claims by Hezbollah-aligned media framing the elections as a popular referendum on the group’s role in “resistance,” results across other areas painted a more diverse picture. The Lebanese Forces Party won in Zahle, while the Progressive Socialist Party took Rashaya. These results suggest localized concerns and traditional party loyalties continue to weigh heavily in voter decision-making, despite efforts to nationalize the municipal vote.
The political significance of the elections is heightened by their timing amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and cross-border tensions with Hezbollah. Analysts point to the elections as a test of Hezbollah’s grassroots strength, particularly as regional allies and adversaries gauge the group’s domestic legitimacy in Lebanon.
While Hezbollah’s victory consolidates its local power, its broader implications remain uncertain. Lebanon’s municipal councils face serious constraints due to the country’s economic collapse and administrative dysfunction. Many municipalities cannot afford basic services like waste collection or paying employees, limiting the impact of electoral wins.
