[ The content on this page is a general overview and does not constitute an exact or legally binding translation of the Arabic text. For full accuracy and official reference, the Arabic version remains the definitive text. No legal or formal obligations shall be derived from this translation. ]

The Municipal Council is not just an administrative body—it is the foundation of Aaqoura’s governance and future. This mandate is about delivering tangible policies, not just campaign slogans. Within the first few weeks in office, the municipality will officially adopt and implement the following eight policies, each designed to address Aaqoura’s economic, social, and governance challenges while ensuring sustainable growth, institutional integrity, and civic engagement.

Each of these policies will be formally drafted, approved, and enacted, providing clear frameworks, actionable plans, and accountability measures. This is not about personal leadership or empty promises—this is about building a municipality that serves its people efficiently, transparently, and sustainably. Within the first six months, we will formally enact and begin implementing all eight governance policies. Each policy will be backed by a structured rollout plan, progress tracking, and oversight mechanisms.

Municipal officials must be legally and ethically bound to their roles. Upon taking office, every official must: Swear an oath on the Holy Bible to govern with integrity, honesty, and transparency; Sign a formal commitment to serve their full term unless exceptional circumstances arise; and Be financially accountable if they fail to fulfill their duties without valid justification. A government built on trust must be legally bound to that trust. There will be no hidden agendas, no unchecked power, and no way to evade responsibility.

Within the first six months, we will formally enact and put a plan to begin implementing all eight governance policies. Each policy will be backed by a structured rollout plan, progress tracking, and oversight mechanisms.

1.     The Peacekeeping & Conflict Resolution Policy: Enforcing the Rule of Law as Pillar for Stability

Aaqoura cannot progress while legal disputes remain unresolved. Legal finality and arbitration must be central to governance, ensuring that past conflicts do not hinder future development.

     1.1.     The Aaqoura Commons (Mshaa’) dispute is a prime example of an issue that has divided the town, eroded trust, and stalled investment. This file must be closed permanently, ensuring that no issue continues to undermine stability and prosperity. Definitive Legal & Geographic Determination: We will legally finalize the borders between the Aaqoura Commons and private properties, using a binding, enforceable legal framework. This will be a final ruling—no future dispute, no further contestation.

·      Finalizing Legal & Geographic Boundaries of the Aaqoura Commons: All land ownership and common property borders will be legally finalized through an enforceable legal framework, leaving no room for future contestation.

·      Reviewing Historical Legal Precedents: Prior rulings—including the Abdo Bou Kheir ruling (1940s) and Sakk el Msalha agreements—will be reviewed to ensure that all past legal claims are upheld and that all parties have clarity and legal protection.

·      Independent Land Survey with Official Oversight: A final, legally binding land survey will be conducted by professional land surveyors (Messahhin - مسّاحين) with oversight from the Lebanese Army’s Topographic Unit, ensuring that the final mapping is neutral, transparent, and indisputable.

·      Public Documentation & Full Transparency: All reports, maps, and rulings will be publicly accessible, ensuring no hidden deals, no selective enforcement, and no politically motivated decisions.

     1.2.     To prevent future disputes, a Municipal Arbitration Center will be established within the Justice, Transparency & Anti-Corruption Committee, handling all major property, financial, and governance conflicts through structured legal mediation subject to getting necessary permits and licensing from the Ministry of Justice.

2.     The Live in Aaqoura Policy: Strengthening Infrastructure & Quality of Life

People leave when basic services fail. Let’s fix what truly matters: effective waste management, stable electricity, fast internet, reliable water supply, convenient grocery options, and accessible healthcare (including a mobile clinic). Together, we’ll ensure Aaqoura is a welcoming, comfortable place that people are proud to call home.

     2.1.     Waste Management: Implement a structured recycling program and composting system and ensure safe collection and disposal of non-recyclable waste.

     2.2.     Reliable Connectivity: Coordinate with the Ministry of Telecom (Ogero) and mobile operators to stabilize connectivity and introduce fiber internet.

     2.3.     Ambulance & Mobile Healthcare Access: Establish a permanently stationed ambulances in partnership with the Red Cross or Ministry of Health to ensure rapid emergency response. Additionally, explore periodic mobile healthcare services to provide medical access to all residents, including those in dispersed agricultural areas. Additionally, we will ensure to put in a place a plan to upgrade the current dispensary into a proper Medical Center that will respond to the needs of the residents.

     2.4.     Essential Community Services Initiative: Temporarily operate money-transfer outlets, personal care services such as hairdressers, and grocery essentials under municipal oversight until private investors confidently re-enter the market.

     2.5.     Law & Order: Strengthen deployment of local police officers, supporting public safety and order in all zones and areas including local neighborhoods and natural reserves.

     2.6.     Social Services: Provide improved assistance for individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and children through targeted programs.

     2.7.     Health and Community Growth Initiatives: provide services and workshops such as First Aid services and basic medical training in addition to reading groups, and other programs within the Knowledge and Culture Center.

3.     The Identity and Heritage Protection Policy: Faith, Nature, and Cultural Revival

Aaqoura’s Maronite legacy and natural landscapes—rivers, forests, and grottos—define it as both a spiritual sanctuary and an ecological haven. This dual identity places the town at the heart of responsible faith-based and eco-tourism, reinforcing its role as a destination for both pilgrimage and nature enthusiasts. Through strategic collaboration with religious institutions, nonprofits, and local businesses, we will cultivate an environment where heritage, faith, and nature are honored, protected, and sustainably developed.

     3.1.     Preserving Ecological Landmarks: Establish modest, eco-sensitive bungalows near Mar Jerima, providing accommodations for hikers and pilgrims while maintaining the region’s pristine character. Additionally, a management and oversight board will be created for the Valley of the Wasp (Wede d-Dabbour), ensuring its status as a protected nature reserve with a dedicated bee habitat focus.

     3.2.     Aaqoura Heritage Trail – An Open-Air Museum: Develop a guided and self-guided walking tour that highlights Aaqoura’s historical landmarks, integrating it with the Knowledge & Culture Hub to offer a comprehensive cultural and historical experience.

     3.3.     Revitalizing Maronite Heritage: Safeguard and restore the Old Maronite Patriarchal Seat and other historic churches, reinforcing Aaqoura’s spiritual and cultural identity. This initiative will extend to language preservation programs, religious pilgrimages, and educational events designed to honor and perpetuate local Maronite traditions. This policy will also lead the way for programming at the town’s new Knowledge and Culture Center such as Syriac courses, Maronite history courses, and more.

     3.4.     Restoring Authentic Toponymy – Our Identity in Our Land: The names of our lands and places matter. The misattribution of names such as “Laqlouq” has no historical basis, and a renaming initiative will be undertaken to restore Aaqoura’s rightful presence in digital mapping and GPS systems. This process will pave the way for a comprehensive zoning plan, defining New Aaqoura Zones versus Historic Aaqoura Town, while instituting a structured street-naming and town-planning system. In doing so, we will commemorate historical figures who shaped Aaqoura’s destiny, ensuring that our heritage is etched into our geography.

     3.5.     Aaqoura Knowledge and Culture Center: offer courses in Syriac, English, French, digital literacy, Maronite history, and first aid training to implement our various policies and under the oversight of the different committees. The Center will also host workshops in local crafts, painting, and drawing to preserve and foster cultural talents.

     3.6.     The Aaqoura Festivals: A dynamic platform to showcase the pride of Aaqoura, bringing together music, sports, poetry, dance, and cultural activities. These festivals will serve as a vibrant gathering space where locals and visitors alike can experience Aaqoura’s rich traditions, artistic talents, and communal spirit, blending entertainment with a deep appreciation for our town’s heritage.

     3.7.     We will ensure that private cultural initiatives will not be burdened with unnecessary bureaucracy and paperwork.

Through these initiatives, Aaqoura’s rich spiritual and natural identity will not only be preserved but revitalized for future generations—ensuring that faith, nature, and history continue to define our town’s unique character.

4.     The Economic Revival Policy: Jobs, Investment, and Local Entrepreneurship

Our people shouldn’t have to leave Aaqoura to make a living. We’ll establish a local careers office, encourage local hiring, and guide youth into growing fields like hospitality, agriculture, and construction. By offering targeted training, mentorship, and community-driven initiatives, we’ll spark job creation right here in Aaqoura.

     4.1.     Remote Work Infrastructure: Enhance internet connectivity to support remote workers and digital professionals who wish to remain in Aaqoura.

     4.2.     Careers Office: Create a centralized platform for local job listings. Match talents to opportunities in sectors like hospitality, agriculture, construction, and digital services. This office will also be responsible for hiring staff that will fulfil the jobs of the “Live In Aaqoura Policy - Essential Community Services” in addition to other local governance positions.

     4.3.     Professional Development Courses: After collecting data on skills and interests from the local population, we must develop a plan of courses and skills to offer at the town’s Knowledge and Culture Center.

     4.4.     Co-ops (Agriculture & Food Production): Encourage the establishment of cooperatives for farming, food processing, and resource-sharing to empower local producers.

     4.5.     Local Investment Promotion: Grant balanced licenses for private ventures, prioritizing Aaqoura residents first (whether current residents or expats), then Lebanese nationals, followed by foreign investors including in the Aaqoura Commons and New Aaqoura Zones.

5.     The Fiscal Sustainability and Smart Growth Policy

Sustainability is not merely an environmental concern—it is a governance principle that ensures Aaqoura’s economic self-sufficiency and long-term resilience. A forward-thinking municipality does not rely solely on taxes or government aid but instead invests in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture to generate stable revenue streams while safeguarding natural resources. Every municipal decision must be fiscally responsible, transparent, and geared toward long-term returns. This approach promotes economic growth, reduces financial dependency, and ensures Aaqoura remains both ecologically and financially sustainable.

     5.1.     Revenue-generating municipal investments will play a key role in achieving this vision. Establishing a state-of-the-art Apple Cooling and Produce Management Facility (15,000 m² in Dahr El Joz – Ale’ Region) will support local farmers, extend the lifespan of produce, and create a stable, agriculture-based revenue stream. This initiative can be pursued through direct public investment, a structured fundraising initiative, or a third-party investor partnership, with clear municipal oversight to prevent exploitation. Additionally, small-scale eco-tourism lodging, such as environmentally compliant bungalows, can be developed in key areas to stimulate responsible tourism while maintaining Aaqoura’s natural integrity.

     5.2.     A comprehensive municipal green energy strategy will ensure energy efficiency while reducing dependency on external providers. Facilitating the installation of solar panels in public facilities will provide stable, cost-effective power while introducing incentives for private solar adoption. Regulatory frameworks will be implemented to ensure that renewable energy infrastructure benefits both residents and businesses, contributing to a more sustainable and self-sufficient energy model.

     5.3.     A structured agricultural transition plan will support Aaqoura’s shift toward fully organic, high-quality, pesticide-free farming. This initiative will help local farmers implement sustainable soil management practices across all agricultural lands, with the long-term goal of transforming Aaqoura into a fully organic agricultural hub. Training and technical support will be provided through the Knowledge & Culture Center, ensuring that farmers have the resources to implement eco-friendly, high-yield farming techniques. Additionally, access to sustainable agricultural markets will be facilitated to ensure that farmers benefit from premium pricing for organic produce, reinforcing Aaqoura’s position as a leader in ethical and sustainable farming.

Through responsible governance, strategic investment, and forward-thinking policies, Aaqoura will secure its financial future, enhance its ecological sustainability, and foster long-term economic stability—ensuring that municipal governance serves the people, not just the present moment.

6.     The Global Partnerships and Alliances Policy

Aaqoura’s growth is not limited by its borders. Strengthening ties with our diaspora, Maronite institutions, local tourism and development nonprofits, and international partners will allow us to amplify Aaqoura’s presence, attract investment, and position our town as a model for sustainable and community-driven development. By fostering strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange, and investment opportunities, we will ensure that Aaqoura remains deeply rooted in its heritage while embracing the potential of a globally connected future.

     6.1.     Collaboration with institutions such as the Maronite Foundation, the Maronite Academy Program, and NGOs like Lebanon & Beyond will create new opportunities for cultural preservation, economic development, and civic engagement. Partnerships with neighboring municipalities will allow us to share resources, best practices, and cultural initiatives, reinforcing regional cooperation and sustainable growth.

     6.2.     A targeted expat outreach strategy will engage Aaqoura’s global diaspora, ensuring that those with ancestral ties to the town remain connected and invested in its future. Hosting annual events at embassies or consulates will serve as a platform to update expatriates on municipal progress, showcase investment opportunities, and encourage their involvement in local development.

     6.3.     A real estate and investment platform will be introduced to ensure that property transactions prioritize the long-term prosperity of Aaqoura’s residents, while responsibly welcoming outside investors. This initiative will safeguard the town’s heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities.

     6.4.     To strengthen these relationships, we will launch the EXPLORE AAQOURA website and campaign in collaboration with local nonprofits, serving as a central hub for tourism, cultural promotion, and investment opportunities.

     6.5.     Introduce the Aaqoura Residency Program: Launch a dedicated program – within the Knowledge and Culture Center - to host visiting scholars, academics, and innovators who can contribute to local development.  Through this program we will invite university professors, historians, and research groups to study and contribute to Aaqoura’s heritage, agriculture, and cultural assets.

Through deliberate partnerships, global outreach, and responsible investment strategies, Aaqoura will cultivate a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking model of development, ensuring that its local identity thrives on a global stage.

7.     The Radical Transparency and Accountability Policy: A Municipality Built on Trust

No hidden agendas, no backroom deals. Aaqoura’s governance must be fully transparent, participatory, and accountable. We will set a national benchmark for open governance, ensuring that every resident knows where municipal funds go, how projects are managed, and why decisions are made.

     7.1.     Full Financial Transparency & Open Reporting: All municipal budgets, expenditures, and financial reports will be publicly available online, with annual disclosures open for community commentary.

     7.2.     Public Engagement & Direct Communication: Host quarterly public forums (both in-person and via Zoom) where residents can ask questions, provide feedback, and discuss municipal initiatives.

     7.3.     Data Collection & Smart Planning: Develop a privacy-compliant database tracking demographics, agricultural output, and local expertise to inform smarter municipal planning and policy development.

     7.4.     Investigating Historical Financial Mismanagement: Any past cases of financial mismanagement will be legally audited. We will recover misused funds through proper legal channels and implement preventative oversight measures to ensure accountability moving forward.

     7.5.     The Aaqoura Residents Portal (Digital Municipal Services) Develop an online platform where residents can track municipal decisions, request services, and view financial records in real-time, ensuring direct citizen oversight over governance. A municipality must serve its people with integrity, not secrecy. Through radical transparency, structured accountability, and continuous civic engagement, Aaqoura will lead by example, proving that municipal governance can be ethical, efficient, and fully open to public scrutiny.

8.     The Governance Reform & Institutional Restructuring Policy: A Reliable Local Government

Aaqoura’s governance must be structured, disciplined, and focused on service—not personal power. The old ways of personalized leadership, inefficiency, and unbalanced power must end. This policy restructures municipal leadership and administration to ensure that governance is efficient, accountable, and built to last.

     8.1.     Establishing the Mayor’s Office and Eight Specialized Committees: To ensure structured decision-making, specialized oversight, and transparent governance, Aaqoura’s municipality will be organized into eight permanent committees and the Mayor’s Office. This framework will guarantee that each municipal function is handled by dedicated experts and elected officials who are responsible for implementation, oversight, and continuous progress tracking. Each committee will operate with clearly defined mandates, independent review mechanisms, and a structured reporting process, ensuring that municipal governance is transparent, participatory, and results-driven. The Eight Permanent Committees and the Mayor’s Office responsibilities:

1. Health & Social Services Committee: Responsible for public health initiatives, medical support, and social assistance programs. This includes oversight of the Medical Center, emergency healthcare services, and public health awareness campaigns.

2. Economic & Financial Development Committee: This committee focuses on promoting local economic growth, supporting small businesses and startups, and shaping financial policies that include investment and sustainable funding strategies. It oversees the Employment Office, monitors development programs, and fosters an economic environment that prioritizes sustainability, job creation, and positive social impact.

3. Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee: Leads efforts in water resource management, sustainable farming practices, and environmental preservation. It will support the organic farming transition, oversee the Valley of the Wasp Nature Reserve, and implement eco-friendly agricultural policies.

4. Infrastructure, Connectivity, & Energy Committee: Responsible for developing and maintaining Aaqoura’s physical and digital infrastructure, this committee oversees roads, water networks, electrical grids, and telecommunications systems. It prioritizes enhancing both transportation and digital connectivity while advancing the town’s path toward energy independence. Guided by a long-term financial vision, the committee manages sustainable development projects and prepares strategic budgets to ensure resilient, integrated, and future-ready public services.

5. Culture & Education Committee: This committee is responsible for preserving Aaqoura’s cultural heritage and shaping its educational vision. It develops heritage-focused educational programs, oversees Syriac language initiatives, and fosters partnerships with local schools and academic institutions. It also manages key cultural infrastructure, such as the Knowledge & Culture Center and the Aaqoura Residency Program, while contributing to the Tourism Office and broader outreach platforms like the Explore Aaqoura platform.

6. Diaspora & International Cooperation Committee: This committee works to strengthen ties with Aaqoura’s global diaspora—including both expatriates and emigrants—and to establish meaningful partnerships with international institutions, municipalities, and diplomatic bodies. Its mandate is to reinforce Aaqoura’s global presence by coordinating diaspora engagement events, facilitating municipal cooperation agreements, and supporting initiatives related to investment, cultural exchange, and cross-border collaboration.

7. Social Activities & Sports Committee: This committee monitors and maps recreational, cultural, and community-oriented initiatives carried out by local groups, private sector actors, and multilateral organizations. Its role is to identify gaps in public engagement, facilitate collaboration, and support initiatives related to heritage, celebration, and communal life. In addition to this coordination role, the committee directly organizes community events and public festivities, and it is responsible for launching and managing the Aaqoura Festivals initiative. It also contributes to the development of the local sports sector through partnerships with venues, youth programs, and athletic events that promote collective spirit, participation, and long-term community vitality.

8. Justice, Transparency & Safety Committee: This committee is entrusted with upholding the rule of law, promoting institutional transparency, and reinforcing public safety within the municipality. It exercises oversight over municipal compliance mechanisms, including the performance of municipal police forces, financial auditors, and internal administrative structures. Its mandate includes supervising the implementation of organizational frameworks, records management systems, and archiving and indexing protocols in alignment with applicable legal standards. The committee is further tasked with supporting the establishment of a Municipal Arbitration Center and a Rehabilitation Center, and shall assume oversight responsibilities upon their inauguration, ensuring that governance practices remain lawful, transparent, and conducive to the collective safety and public trust.

9. The Mayor’s Office is the executive body of the municipality, responsible for policy and financial oversight, intergovernmental relations, media and communication, crisis response, and official representation. It ensures legal compliance, budget accountability, and municipal coordination while managing both internal communication (website, social media, and public updates) and external media relations (press releases, journalist inquiries, and official statements). The office also handles government partnerships and crisis management, with the Mayor or an appointed representative serving as the official spokesperson for the municipality.

Accordingly, the facilities and entities overseen by the eight committees and the Mayor’s Office include: the Knowledge & Culture Center, the Tourism Office, the Municipal Arbitration Center, the Essential Services Centers under the “Live in Aaqoura” program, the Police Center, the Rehabilitation Center, the Medical Center (currently the dispensary), the Employment Center, and the Media & Communications Office (responsible for the website, press releases, photography, videography, and all media platforms). Additional initiatives under their supervision include the Wadi al-Dabbour Nature Reserve, the Aaqoura Festivals Program, the Explore Aaqoura Project, and other development-oriented facilities and initiatives.     8.2.     Oversight & Public Review Mechanism: To ensure accountability and efficiency, each committee must Submit quarterly progress reports, which will be publicly available on the Aaqoura Residents Portal. In addition to Participating in an annual public town hall, where residents can ask questions, express concerns, and evaluate governance performance.

     8.3.     Presidency of Service, Not Authority (A Rotating Leadership Model): The role of the municipal president (mayor) is not about power or personal influence—it is about administration, leadership, and community service. In a town where leadership has historically been about titles rather than responsibility, we are implementing a rotational leadership model to ensure that the presidency remains a functional role, not a personal position of power. The municipal presidency will be split into two consecutive three-year terms within the six-year mandate, rotating between two elected members. This system ensures that leadership remains mission-driven, preventing political monopolization and ensuring that all elected officials experience both executive and regular membership roles. This rotation model encourages collaboration, prevents stagnation, and ensures a continuous renewal of leadership perspectives. Ultimately, this model prioritizes service over status, ensuring that the municipality’s mission—not the prestige of office—remains the central focus.

     8.4.     A Digital Municipality: Aaqoura must be accessible to all residents, expatriates, and stakeholders. Municipal decisions, services, and planning must be publicly available in real-time. We will launch: The Aaqoura Residents Portal: A transparent digital platform where residents can track budgets, policies, and decisions, and request municipal services. In addition to The Explore Aaqoura Platform: A separate tourism and investment platform, inviting researchers, investors, and visitors to engage with Aaqoura’s rich heritage and economic opportunities