Lebanon delays May elections as war escalation grips the region

Lebanon’s political leaders have agreed to postpone parliamentary elections scheduled for May, citing escalating violence with Israel and growing regional instability, as reported by The New Arab staff on March 4th.

The move would extend parliament’s current term by two years, though it still requires approval from a majority of the 128-member legislature.

The decision follows renewed Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon after the collapse of a ceasefire. The escalation comes in the wake of joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which triggered retaliatory missile fire from Hezbollah into Israel. Israeli forces have since intensified attacks and deployed troops into southern Lebanon, prompting widespread displacement.

According to the UN refugee agency, at least 30,000 people have been forced from their homes amid the fighting, with numbers expected to rise. Many displaced civilians are sheltering in schools—facilities that traditionally serve as polling stations during elections—adding logistical challenges to the security concerns.

The agreement to delay the vote was reached after intensive talks between President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Parliamentary discussions are now focused on establishing the constitutional framework required to formalise the postponement. Berri is expected to call a legislative session soon to bring the matter to a vote.

Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab is reportedly coordinating discussions between parliamentary blocs, while several lawmakers are drafting legislation to extend the current parliament’s mandate. Among them, MP Neemat Frem is preparing to submit an urgent proposal calling for a two-year extension.

However, the proposal has not met unanimous support. Some factions, including the Lebanese Forces, argue that a two-year delay is excessive and have instead suggested a shorter postponement of six months to one year.

Lebanon last held parliamentary elections in 2022. The latest political uncertainty shows how the country has once again been drawn into broader regional conflict, complicating efforts to maintain domestic political stability.

The New Arab staff and agencies, Maghrebi.org