Harb Faces LF-FPM in Tannourine as Hbeish Hopes Qoubaiyat Municipal Battle Will Avoid Politics

Heated electoral battles are expected in the Batroun region of Tannourine and the Akkar town of Qoubaiyat in the municipal polls and alliances by the Lebanese Forces and Free Patriotic Movement strive to shake off competition from local figures.

In Tannourine, the LF-FPM list faces competition from Telecommunications Minister Butros Harb

The minister said after casting his vote: “Today's battle should not be political, but it should have developmental goals.”

“We did not reject the inclusion of any individuals affiliated with political parties in our electoral list.”

In the Akkar region of Qoubaiyat, the LF and FPM back a list headed by Tony Mikhael and Jean Chidiac.

It is running against a list headed by current municipal chief Abdo Abdo, who is backed by Mustaqbal MP Hadi Hbeish, former MP Mikhael al-Daher, and the Kataeb Party.

Hbeish said after casting his vote: “The residents of the town are presenting an example of their democracy.”

“They should decide their own fate and avoid succumbing to pressure.”

“I hope that voters will be motivated by municipal interests, not political ones.”

The fourth and final stage of the municipal elections kicked off on Sunday in the North and Akkar.