Berri Calls on Southerners to Turn Out Strongly on Saturday

As Lebanon prepares for municipal and mayoral elections on Saturday, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri has issued a strong call for voter participation, particularly in southern border towns. In a public address on Thursday, Berri emphasized the symbolic importance of casting ballots in areas close to Israel, framing the act of voting as a statement of national sovereignty and resilience.

Berri encouraged residents in frontline communities to engage fully in the electoral process, portraying their involvement as essential to reaffirming that these towns remain integral parts of Lebanon. He specifically addressed supporters of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, urging them to vote in large numbers to reinforce local governance structures and demonstrate to Israel that southern Lebanon remains a space for civilian life, not conflict.

Election Plans Continue Despite Ongoing Border Tensions

The call for civic engagement comes during a period of heightened tensions in southern Lebanon, with Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeting vehicles associated with Hezbollah in recent days. Despite the volatile security situation, Lebanese authorities have affirmed their commitment to holding the elections as scheduled.

According to recent reports, Lebanon has received international reassurances, including from the United States, that the conditions are in place to safely conduct Saturday’s elections. These security guarantees are viewed as crucial, given the uptick in hostilities along the border.

President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met earlier in the week to review preparations for the elections. Their discussions focused on the importance of ensuring the vote proceeds smoothly, amid concerns that Israel could take further military action during this sensitive period.

Interior Minister Stresses Sovereignty and Readiness

Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar visited the southern city of Sidon on Tuesday to assess the readiness of local authorities ahead of the elections. He described the upcoming vote as an opportunity for the Lebanese state to reaffirm its role and authority in the region.

Al-Hajjar expressed hope that ongoing dialogue with the ceasefire monitoring committee would help maintain calm on election day. However, he clarified that the Lebanese government is not relying solely on external guarantees to proceed. Instead, he stated that the elections would be held regardless of potential disruptions, and that any security incidents would be handled on the ground without halting the process.

In his remarks, the minister underscored that the state remains committed to exercising full sovereignty over its southern territories and to facilitating democratic participation even under challenging circumstances.

With tensions along the border escalating, Saturday’s vote carries both practical and symbolic weight. The Lebanese government views the successful execution of these local elections as a demonstration of institutional stability and a rejection of any attempts to destabilize the region through military or political pressure.