Polls opened Sunday morning across Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and the Baalbek-Hermel region as Lebanon kicked off the third phase of its municipal elections, viewed as a key step toward revitalizing local governance after repeated delays.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, joined by Defense Minister Michel Menassa and Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar, toured the Interior Ministry’s Central Operations Room to oversee the electoral process.

“I’ve confirmed the full preparedness of the Operations Room,” Salam said during the visit. “What matters most is ensuring the integrity and transparency of the election, and making sure there is no interference from the government. Last week saw several violations, including gunfire, bribery, and administrative missteps. We’ve learned from those incidents, and today’s vote in Beirut and the Bekaa should go more smoothly.”

Interior Minister Hajjar echoed Salam’s message, saying the elections were proceeding without major incidents.

“Voting has begun in all polling stations, and so far, no security issues have been reported,” Hajjar said. “All logistical gaps have been addressed, except for one station where a broken ballot box was found. A replacement is already on the way.”

Despite those assurances, local broadcaster Al Jadeed TV reported that the Interior Ministry received more than 43 complaints within the first hour of voting, highlighting ongoing concerns about the process’s transparency and execution.

Later, Prime Minister Salam cast his ballot at Omar Fakhoury School in Beirut’s Bir Hassan neighborhood. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that the elections were about delivering services and development to the people of Beirut.

“These elections are meant to serve Beirut,” he said. “I believe the people of this city want to see broad representation in the next municipal council. The government’s role is to meet citizens’ needs.”

Salam framed the vote as an opportunity for Beirutis to take ownership of their city’s future.

“This is a development choice. Voters must decide what kind of Beirut they want, because the city is in urgent need of investment and modernization,” he said. “I strongly encourage everyone to head to the polls. We need to learn from the mistakes made in Tripoli and the northern region.”

While he acknowledged that delays in ballot counting were possible in Beirut, Salam said he did not expect major problems.

Asked about his personal vote, the prime minister made clear that his governmental role did not override his connection to the capital.

“The government’s neutrality is one thing, but as a son of Beirut, my personal choice is another,” he said. “I voted for the city’s development. I call on all residents not to let this chance pass them by. Go out and vote!”