Lebanon held its first local elections in nearly a decade on May 4, 2025, following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that ended a war between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Lebanese government is grappling with a financial crisis and has been seeking over $11 billion in international funds for reconstruction efforts, which adds urgency to the elections.

These municipal elections had been postponed three times previously due to budgetary constraints, reflecting the ongoing political and economic instability in the country.

A total of 9,321 candidates, including 1,179 women, are contesting in the elections, which are typically held every six years but were last conducted in 2016.

Polling stations were set up in public schools amidst the rubble of buildings destroyed during the conflict, highlighting the urgent need for reconstruction.

The elections are a critical indicator of voter sentiment and political support in the wake of the economic crisis and the war's devastation.

Voter concerns primarily revolved around rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods after the extensive damage caused by the recent conflict, with candidates emphasizing the responsibility of local councils in addressing these issues.

Candidates and voters expressed a strong focus on the need for rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods in their communities, reflecting a collective desire for recovery.

Additional voting dates are scheduled for May 11 in northern Lebanon, May 18 for Beirut and the Bekaa Valley, and May 24 for the heavily damaged south.

The elections, taking place in the Mount Lebanon districts and southern suburbs of Beirut, serve as a barometer for public support for political parties, particularly Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement.

President Joseph Aoun, who was elected in January, emphasized the importance of these elections for rebuilding trust in Lebanon's institutions.

The World Bank estimates that reconstruction costs in Lebanon could exceed $11 billion, underscoring the financial challenges facing the government.