Lebanon’s parliament has ended a prolonged presidential hiatus by electing army chief Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s new president. Aoun secured 99 votes in the second round of parliamentary voting on Thursday, surpassing the required majority for victory.
The election followed years of political stalemates after Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022, leaving Lebanon without a head of state. This is a significant step for Lebanon’s struggling government institutions.
Earlier, Joseph Aoun fell short of a two-thirds majority in the first voting round, gaining support from only 71 members of parliament. However, shifting alliances and international pressure helped solidify Aoun’s position as the preferred candidate in the subsequent vote.
Lebanon’s government has remained paralyzed due to internal disputes, with tensions between the Iran-backed Hezbollah group and opposing factions blocking progress. The new president’s election reflects reduced influence for Hezbollah following its losses during last year’s war with Israel.
Analysts attribute Joseph Aoun’s victory to Saudi and French diplomatic efforts, which played key roles in bridging political divides. International leaders view Aoun as capable of maintaining the fragile ceasefire with Israel, which Washington and Paris brokered in November.
The ceasefire terms demand Lebanese troops replace Hezbollah forces in Southern regions, ensuring stability in the Mediterranean country. Joseph Aoun has led Lebanon’s US-supported military since 2017, fostering continued American aid despite Hezbollah’s influence within Lebanon.
Aoun’s immediate priorities include forming a government through consultations with lawmakers, which often spark fierce bargaining over cabinet positions. Lebanon also faces urgent economic recovery, requiring substantial international aid to rebuild after the financial collapse of 2019 and its devastating war.
Lebanon’s new president represents a renewed push to rebuild the country’s institutions, maintain peace, and attract vital international support. Deep scarred by the recent conflicts, Lebanon now looks ahead to overcoming its enduring political and economic challenges.
