Beirut: Interior Minister, Ahmad Hajjar, on Monday confirmed in a press conference today that the municipal elections in North Lebanon and Akkar were carried out successfully, despite some difficulties that began on Saturday and continued into Sunday, including security incidents at several polling centers.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Hajjar reported a total of 675 complaints and appeals, 143 security-related incidents, and approximately 120 altercations. Voter turnout reached 43.29% overall-37.25% in North Lebanon and 49.33% in Akkar.

Seven individuals were arrested in connection with election-related disturbances, and 15 cases of suspected vote buying are under investigation. One person was detained over a suspected fraud attempt. The Interior Minister also noted incidents of gunfire that resulted in several injuries, one of them serious. The army has launched raids and detained 34 individuals so far.

On the issue of illegal arms, Hajjar stressed that the state is actively working to curb unlicensed weapon possession and to assert its authority across Lebanese territory. He emphasized that the shootings were not politically driven but rather individual actions that will be subject to legal consequences.

Regarding the altercation involving North Lebanon Governor Judge Ramzi Nohra, Hajjar acknowledged the complaint and confirmed that no official is above accountability.