Joseph Aoun has been elected as Lebanon’s president, concluding over two years of political deadlock. His candidacy received support from multiple political factions and international allies, following the withdrawal of a rival candidate linked to Hezbollah. Aoun’s election comes after a ceasefire agreement aimed at stabilizing Lebanon, with promises to manage Hezbollah’s military presence. He has been the army’s commander since 2017, guiding it through various national crises.
In a significant political development, Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese army, has been elected as Lebanon’s president by the parliamentary body, thus concluding a prolonged power vacuum lasting over two years. Aoun’s candidacy received support from multiple political factions and international allies, including the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia. The endorsement of his rival—previously backed by the Hezbollah militia—further bolstered his position after that challenger withdrew from the race.
The role of president in Lebanon is largely ceremonial, traditionally held by a Christian leader as part of the country’s sectarian power-sharing arrangement. This election follows a recently established ceasefire between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah, a conflict that notably weakened the Iran-supported militia. As a key player in the ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese army is tasked with ensuring that Hezbollah’s military presence is extinguished, particularly in southern Lebanon.
Joseph Aoun, aged 60, has commanded the Lebanese army since 2017, overseeing it through a series of crises including the prolonged economic downturn and the catastrophic Beirut port explosion of 2020. Since the last parliament elections in May 2022, Lebanon has experienced a lack of a fully functioning government. The former Prime Minister Najib Mikati faced challenges in forming a new cabinet, which limited his authority following the end of ex-President Michel Aoun’s term.
Attempts to elect a new president stalled with lawmakers failing 12 times to reach a consensus. The most recent voting round occurred in June 2023, but resulted in no candidate acquiring the necessary support due to the withdrawal of Hezbollah lawmakers. Under the current division in parliament, Aoun initially fell short of votes needed in the first round, with 71 parliamentarians supporting him.
Ultimately, he achieved the required two-thirds majority in the second round of voting, receiving 99 votes while others cast blank or invalid ballots. Following his election, scenes of celebration erupted nationwide, indicating a hopeful response from the Lebanese populace. Aoun proceeded with a formal procession to the parliament, where he was sworn in as president, initiating a new chapter in Lebanon’s governance.
Lebanon’s political landscape is shaped by a complex sectarian power-sharing system, which assigns the presidency to a Christian. This arrangement has historically contributed to political deadlock, notably the absence of a president for over two years after the previous president’s term ended in October 2022. The country has been embroiled in significant crises, including a dire economic depression and the repercussions of conflict with Israel, further compounding the challenges faced by any prospective leader. The recent ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government represents a critical juncture for national stability, highlighting the military’s role amidst ongoing geopolitical intricacies. Joseph Aoun, having led the army through crucial events since his appointment in 2017, embodies continuity and resilience against these backdrops of turmoil.
The election of Joseph Aoun as president of Lebanon marks a significant step towards resolving a protracted political stalemate in the nation. His leadership comes in a critical period following a ceasefire that necessitates the demilitarization of Hezbollah in conjunction with the Lebanese army’s deployment. The parliamentary support he received reflects a shifting political dynamic, underscoring the importance of unifying efforts to address Lebanon’s pressing challenges. As Aoun steps into his ceremonial role, the nation’s hopes for governance and stability rest upon his ability to navigate the entrenched sectarian system and restore confidence among citizens.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
