As of now, 126 municipalities are considered dissolved. So far, municipal elections appear to be on hold, with the likelihood of their postponement gradually increasing. There is no doubt that the phenomenon of paralyzed municipalities is more concerning than dissolved ones, and the two extensions affecting municipal councils are in themselves a justification for paralysis and inactivity.
The Internal and Municipal Affairs Committee of the Parliament convened, and the main topic of discussion was the awaited municipal elections. MP Razi Al-Hajj revealed to "An-Nahar" that since the committee's first meeting weeks ago, there has been a noticeable convergence among the blocs of Amal, Hezbollah, and the Free Patriotic Movement against holding the municipal elections. These MPs affirmed before the Minister of Interior that it is not possible to hold elections due to security conditions in the south, noting that Beirut is also under bombardment and regions like Baalbek are similarly affected. They argued that excluding southern towns from the electoral process would violate the principle of equality among Lebanese citizens.
It is a clear and blatant collusion among the pillars of this authority to avoid conducting elections. Al-Hajj does not hide that it seems the security issue will be the primary excuse for the ruling authority to evade holding the elections. Regarding the Ministry of Interior, Minister Bassam Mawlawi reiterates the ministry's preparations to hold the elections on time, which is in about a month. At the same time, he alludes to the possibility of presenting a bill for a third extension of the municipalities, tossing the ball back into Parliament's court.
According to "An-Nahar," no bill for the extension has been registered in the General Secretariat of the Parliament as of now. Al-Hajj comments: There is no doubt that what has been extended twice can certainly be extended a third time. We, as the Strong Republic Bloc, will oppose the extension. However, we fear that this collusion may succeed for a third time.
