President Joseph Aoun inspected the Internal Security Forces’ operations room in Ashrafieh on Sunday, overseeing the launch of the second round of municipal and mayoral elections in the governorates of North Lebanon and Akkar.

Speaking during the visit, Aoun praised the efforts of the Internal Security Forces along with the Ministries of Interior and Justice for ensuring a secure and orderly voting process. He noted that the first round of elections had proceeded peacefully, but expressed disappointment over the low voter turnout.

“We were hoping for a higher turnout,” Aoun said. “These elections are not political; they are rather about development. People must vote for the project, not the individual.”

The president emphasized the importance of development as the core objective of the elections and called on voters to cast their ballots based on conviction, not financial incentives.

“Vote according to your beliefs,” he urged. “It’s essential that money plays no role in people’s decisions. I encourage broad participation and urge the media to work with security forces to expose and prevent vote-buying.”

He also addressed reports of electoral bribery in Mount Lebanon, noting that legal action is already underway.

“The issue of bribery in Mount Lebanon is being actively followed by the judiciary, and arrests have been made,” he confirmed.

President Aoun framed the elections as a key moment for the country, saying they serve as a signal that Lebanon is returning to institutional normalcy.

“Municipal and mayoral elections send a clear message, both at home and abroad, that the Lebanese state is back on the right track,” he said.

He added that the successful completion of the elections would be seen positively by the international community. 

"This success will reflect well abroad and show that the state is committed to fulfilling all constitutional obligations on time.”

For his part, Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, who accompanied the president during the tour, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the process.

“We are working under the guidance of the President of the Republicand and doing everything we can to remove obstacles,” he said.