Women in South municipalities a mere 2% as in Beirut compared to 3.5% in Mount Lebanon and 1% in Beqaa

After slightly rising to 3.5% in Mount Lebanon, the rate of representation of women in municipal election in the districts of the South and Nabatiyeh has decreased to 2% falling, scoring a tie with Beirut, with a rise compared to Beqaa results which scored 1%. A preliminary analysis of the electoral results (on May 22)  in the two Southern districts has shown a high rate (10%)  of women candidates in Jezzine, and a 49% rate of victory out of the total number of women nominees and 5% of the overall candidates. In Nabatiyeh, however, the scene was different, recording the lowest participation rate 3.5%, and a 27% of winning votes out of the total number of female candidates and only 1% of the overall candidates. On a similar note, the boldness of the women of Hasbaya should be lauded, with recalling the victory of 6 out of 12 women nominees who challenged the religious veto on their participation. According to the data published on the electoral portal of the Ministry of Interior (elections.gov.lb/), the overall number of candidates in the South was 5597 candidates, including 308 women, out of whom 123 won at a rate of 2%. The distribution came as follows: Jezzine: 719 candidates, including 73 women, 36 women won at a rate of 5%; Saida: 1056 candidates, including 59 women, 25 women won at a rate of 2.3%; Tyre: 1223 candidates, including 65 women, 25 women won at a rate of 2%; Bint Jbeil: 660 candidates, including 33 women, 12 women won at a rate of 1.8%; Marjeyoun: 534 candidates, including 25 women, 9 women won at 1.6%; .Hasbaya: 411 candidates, including 16 women, 6 women won at a rate of 1.4%; Nabatiyeh: 994 candidates, including 37 women, 10 women won at a rate of 1%.