With May elections set, Lebanese parties enter campaign mode

Source: Nida Al Watan

The signing by Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ahmad Al-Hajjar of the decree calling electoral bodies to the polls on May 3 did more than officially launch the countdown to Lebanon’s parliamentary elections. It also reopened a broad national debate over party readiness, the state’s commitment to democratic standards, and its ability to safeguard the principle of peaceful transfer of power. As the clock begins to tick, how prepared are Lebanon’s political parties?

Lebanese Forces: Candidate announcements underway

Sources within the Lebanese Forces confirmed that the party fully supports holding elections on time and that its electoral machinery is “fully prepared.” On alliances, the sources said: “Alliances are a natural part of the process. We are maintaining a wide network of contacts and will only align with parties and independent local figures who share our sovereign political vision.”

Asked about a potential alliance with the Kataeb Party and whether it is guaranteed across all districts, the sources stressed that no broad alliance has yet been finalized with any party. “The coming two weeks will be decisive when it comes to alliances,” they said.

As for candidates, names have begun to emerge, starting with Keserwan, where Gustave Qardahi was recently announced, with additional districts to follow gradually.

Amal: Alliance with Hezbollah is non-negotiable

Senior sources within the Amal Movement reaffirmed their firm commitment to holding elections on schedule, rejecting any “attempts at delay or procrastination under any pretext.” They revealed that the movement’s electoral machines across districts and constituencies have completed preparations and are at peak readiness.

The sources emphasized that the only fixed alliance is the longstanding partnership between Amal and Hezbollah nationwide, contrary to occasional media speculation. In Sidon–Jezzine, the alliance will be with Bahia Hariri, while in Keserwan–Jbeil, the possibility remains of replacing a Hezbollah candidate with an Amal candidate. The sources did not rule out district-based alliances between the Shiite duo and the Free Patriotic Movement.

Free Patriotic Movement: No Saudi pressure over Hezbollah alliance

Senior sources within the Free Patriotic Movement said alliances have yet to be finalized, noting ongoing and serious communication with various political forces and independent figures, based on an open-door approach.

Regarding the alliance with Hezbollah, the sources said: “The electoral alliance is tied to mutual interests and has not yet been finalized.” Responding to reports of Saudi wishes for the FPM to distance itself from Hezbollah, the sources dismissed such claims as false, saying the party acts solely based on its own convictions and what it sees as Lebanon’s interest.

On candidate selection, the sources explained that the party follows an internal mechanism centered on several criteria, most notably opinion polls. Final decisions are expected starting in February.

Progressive Socialist Party: Candidates to be named within two weeks

Sources from the Progressive Socialist Party said that preparations of the central electoral machine are complete, with regional preparations expected to conclude by early February. “The PSP has a clear and comprehensive vision that will be announced soon,” the sources said.

Asked about a potential alliance with the Kataeb Party in the Chouf district, alongside the established alliance with the Lebanese Forces, the sources said the matter remains unresolved. Candidate names are expected within two weeks.

Kataeb: Core candidates already informed

Kataeb Party sources said the party is fully prepared for the elections and rejects any postponement. Discussions are ongoing with potential allies, they said, stressing that alliances are political and principled rather than purely electoral.

The party is in dialogue with like-minded actors, including the Lebanese Forces, a number of independents such as Michel Moawad, Neemat Frem, and Michel Daher, as well as the Progressive Socialist Party. Coordination is also ongoing with MPs Mark Daou and Michel Doueihi, among others.

However, the sources confirmed that an alliance with the PSP has not yet been finalized.

Regarding candidate names circulating in the media, the sources said party leadership has already informed partisan candidates through internal channels, and candidates have begun grassroots work in their respective areas, pending the official election date.

Legal framework and outstanding issues

Against this electoral backdrop, parliamentary sources indicate that elections are likely to proceed under the current electoral law, following the failure to pass the government’s expedited proposal aimed at amending expatriate voting mechanisms.

This path, however, requires addressing unresolved legal and administrative gaps, notably the mega-center system, the biometric voter card, and Article 122, which allocates six parliamentary seats to expatriates under the so-called 16th district. According to sources, the practical implementation of this provision is increasingly in doubt.

As a result, calls are growing within Parliament for an urgent legislative session to approve necessary amendments to protect the electoral process and prevent potential challenges before the Constitutional Council.

In sum, Lebanon once again stands at a sensitive crossroads: either uphold its constitutional deadline or slide into the familiar scenario of parliamentary extensions. While the presidency remains firmly committed to holding elections on time, according to informed sources, and Speaker Nabih Berri shares this stance, the government appears more flexible regarding a potential “technical” postponement of several months.

Such a delay, officials argue, could expand participation by Lebanese expatriates, though whispers within official circles suggest parallel efforts to curtail the diaspora’s voting role altogether.

As the countdown continues, the coming weeks will test not only party readiness, but Lebanon’s broader commitment to democratic norms.