General Joseph Aoun is poised to become Lebanon’s next president as discussions intensify before the parliamentary election. With reports suggesting the withdrawal of Hezbollah’s candidate Suleiman Frangieh and the endorsement of Aoun by French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, a significant shift in support appears imminent. Prime Minister Najib Mikati conveys optimism about the upcoming session, aimed at breaking the prolonged presidential vacancy.
As Lebanon approaches another parliamentary session aimed at electing a new president—an office that has been vacant for over 26 months—Army Chief General Joseph Aoun is emerging as the leading candidate. Speculation suggests that Suleiman Frangieh, Hezbollah’s favored nominee, may withdraw his candidacy, increasing Aoun’s prospects. Notably, French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian visited Beirut, where he reportedly endorsed Aoun’s candidacy without preconditions, emphasizing the importance of Lebanese consensus. Currently, if Army Chief Aoun garners support from key factions like Hezbollah and Amal Movement, he could secure enough votes to be elected without necessitating a constitutional amendment. The session, critical amid ongoing political stalemate and national challenges, brings renewed hopes of concluding the prolonged presidential vacancy. Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed optimism about electing a new president, reflecting on the significance of reaching a national consensus in this period of turmoil.
Lebanon has faced a leadership vacuum since October 2022, resulting in political deadlock among various factions. The inability to elect a president has been a source of concern, with previous sessions failing due to disagreements among political blocs. The dynamics have shifted as reports indicated potential withdrawal of the favored candidate of Hezbollah, leading to heightened discussions concerning General Joseph Aoun’s candidacy. The upcoming parliamentary session may represent a pivotal moment in overcoming nearly two years of discord and choosing a unifying leader amid challenging regional circumstances, including the conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah.
In conclusion, the upcoming parliamentary session offers a critical opportunity for Lebanon to potentially elect a new president, with General Joseph Aoun positioned as a frontrunner amidst changing political tides. The involvement of influential figures such as French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian underscores the international interest in Lebanon’s political stability, while the calls for consensus reflect a desire for unity among the fractious Lebanese political landscape. A successful election could mark a significant turning point in addressing the nation’s myriad challenges and restoring effective governance.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
