Mashnouq Deems Municipal Polls 'Most Important in Decades'
Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq vowed on Wednesday that the municipal elections will be held as scheduled, saying that those who had been skeptical of them will be proven wrong.
He said during a press conference: “The municipal polls are probably the most important elections to take place in Lebanon in decades given the trend of extending the terms of state institutions.”
The elections will help restore order at the Lebanese system and its democracy, he noted.
“These polls will bring hope that democracy is still alive and will reignite the people's eagerness to exercise their rights,” the minister remarked.
In addition, the municipal polls will demonstrate that the Interior Ministry stands at an equal distance from all sides “even though I have known political affiliations.”
Over 20,000 security forces and military members will oversee the safety of the electoral process throughout Lebanon.
He stressed the importance of municipalities, saying that they have proven to be the “most effective” in dealing with the problems of the people.
“We hope that these polls will pave the way for the presidential ones,” added Mashnouq.
The four-stage municipal elections will start in Beirut and Bekaa-al-Hermel districts on May 8, while the elections in Mount Lebanon will be held on May 15.
Elections in south Lebanon and Nabatieh are set for May 22 and north Lebanon and Akkar for May 29.
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