Beirut, May 04 (QNA) - The first phase of Lebanon's municipal and local (mukhtar) elections began in Mount Lebanon Governorate on Sunday.

During his inspection of the operations room at the Ministry of Defense, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed his full confidence in the success of the ongoing municipal and local elections in Mount Lebanon.

He emphasized that this electoral event serves as a catalyst for the rest of the country's governorates, aiming to revitalize municipalities as a foundational step toward national recovery, according to the National News Agency (NNA).

Elections in Mount Lebanon cover six districts: Metn, Keserwan, Jbeil, Chouf, Aley, and Baabda.

A total of 9,321 candidates - 8,142 men and 1,179 women - submitted their nominations for municipal and mukhtar positions across Mount Lebanon. Additionally, 68 municipalities have already won uncontested. (QNA)