After two years of presidential vacancy and regional tensions, General Joseph Aoun assumes office, marking a turning point in Lebanese politics.
Soldecanarias.net / Adeje
After more than two years of political paralysis, Lebanon has finally elected a president. General Joseph Aoun, leader of the Lebanese Armed Forces, will take office after securing 99 out of 128 possible votes in the second round of a historic parliamentary session. Convened by Nabih Berri, Speaker of Parliament and a political figure linked to Hezbollah, this election ends a prolonged deadlock that left the country without a president since October 2022.
Aoun’s mandate begins amid a backdrop of Hezbollah-Israel conflict and a ceasefire agreement that reopened political dialogue. His election not only breaks the impasse that prevented a presidential selection for two years but also reinforces the possibility of stability within Lebanon’s confessional political system, where the president must be Christian, the prime minister Sunni, and the Speaker of Parliament Shia.
A Complex Constitutional and Political Path
Lebanon’s Constitution, through Article 49, imposes strict requirements for military officials and government employees to run for president, requiring two-thirds parliamentary support to bypass legal restrictions. In the first round of voting, General Aoun garnered 71 votes, falling short of the required 86. However, in the second round, he surpassed the simple majority threshold, securing his position as the new head of state.
Regional and International Factors
The election of General Aoun would not have been possible without the diplomatic push from key players like Saudi Arabia and the United States, who intensified their efforts to ensure a favorable outcome. The ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Hezbollah, the Shia political-military organization with significant influence in the country, also played a decisive role in unlocking the political process.
Challenges for the New President
Joseph Aoun’s mandate begins in a context of profound challenges. Lebanon is grappling with an unprecedented economic crisis, with a devalued currency, a financial system on the brink of collapse, and social tensions threatening to escalate. Aoun will need to navigate a complex political landscape where tensions between Hezbollah and pro-Western forces remain a constant reality.
The international community has expressed optimism about this breakthrough but also stresses the need for structural reforms to restore confidence in Lebanon’s institutions. Meanwhile, Lebanese citizens, both at home and in the diaspora, see this development as an opportunity for reconstruction and a glimmer of hope for a more stable and prosperous future.
