Beirut: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Sunday lauded the performance of the Internal Security Forces, the Lebanese Army, and all security apparatuses in ensuring the smooth conduct of the second phase of municipal and mukhtar elections in the North and Akkar governorates. He also commended the Ministries of Interior and Justice for their coordination, which mirrored the success of last Sunday's elections in Mount Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, during a visit to the ISF operations room in Beirut, President Aoun stressed that municipal elections are 'not political but developmental,' urging citizens to 'vote for projects, not individuals,' which he said were key to the progress of towns and villages. He warned voters against the influence of money, stating, 'Those who buy your vote today will sell you out for the next six years.'
Accompanied by Interior Minister, Ahmad Hajjar, and ISF Director-General Major General Raed Abdullah, Aoun reviewed the election process and was briefed on logistical and security measures, including anti-bribery efforts and inter-agency coordination. He called on voters in the North to participate in large numbers and reaffirmed that all constitutional deadlines, including May's parliamentary elections, would be respected.
'To the officers, NCOs, and personnel on the ground, I thank you. I am proud of you, and so is the Lebanese people,' Aoun declared.
In turn, Interior Minister Hajjar emphasized the neutrality of all state institutions in the electoral process, affirming their full independence under the president's guidance. Meanwhile, Major General Abdullah hailed the professionalism of security forces despite difficult conditions.
President Aoun concluded by reiterating his confidence in Lebanon's institutions, saying the electoral process sends a clear message that 'the Lebanese state is back on track.'