Lebanon’s parliament seeks to elect a president to end a two-year vacancy, with Army Commander Joseph Aoun as the leading candidate after rival Suleiman Frangieh withdrew. Aoun’s candidacy faces constitutional hurdles, necessitating exceptional support. The new president is essential for appointing a permanent government amid economic turmoil and recovery following conflict with Israel.
Lebanon’s parliament is slated to hold a crucial vote to elect a new president, aiming to end a protracted two-year vacancy following the conclusion of former President Michel Aoun’s term in October 2022. Despite twelve unsuccessful attempts to fill this position, there is newfound optimism that the current electoral effort may yield success. The leading candidate, Army Commander Joseph Aoun, has garnered support, particularly from notable international allies such as the United States and Saudi Arabia, for his role in facilitating Lebanon’s recovery following the recent conflicts with Israel.
Notably, Joseph Aoun is now favored after rival candidate Suleiman Frangieh withdrew from the election, endorsing him instead. The nation operates under a complex sectarian power-sharing arrangement that often leads to political stalemates, having previously endured lengthy presidential vacancies—most notably, one that lasted two and a half years from May 2014 to October 2016.
Nevertheless, Joseph Aoun’s candidacy is complicated by a constitutional barrier that prohibits sitting military officials from assuming the presidency. This necessitates an extraordinary two-thirds majority approval even if the vote reaches a second round, complicating an already tense electoral atmosphere. Other candidates, including former Finance Minister Jihad Azour and Elias al-Baysari, the acting head of Lebanon’s General Security agency, also stand in contention.
The urgency of electing a president is underscored by the need to appoint a permanent prime minister and establish a functional cabinet, a task complicated by the limitations of the interim government that has been in power for the last two years. With Lebanon grappling with an economic crisis that has severely affected its currency and public services, the incoming administration faces multifaceted challenges beyond merely implementing a ceasefire following the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
The political gridlock in Lebanon is exacerbated by longstanding economic difficulties, with leaders only having reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package in 2022, yet little progress has been made towards fulfilling the necessary reforms for securing that agreement.
Lebanon has been in a state of political instability, highlighted by the presidency being vacant for over two years following the end of Michel Aoun’s term. This hiatus has prompted urgent steps to elect his successor. The voting process is made particularly contentious due to Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing political system, which often results in deadlock, complicating the pathway to electing a president. Additionally, Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis has heightened the urgency for political resolution, as the nation faces significant infrastructural and financial challenges.
In conclusion, Lebanon’s parliamentary efforts to elect a new president signify an essential step towards overcoming a prolonged political vacuum that has impeded effective governance. With Army Commander Joseph Aoun emerging as a leading candidate following strategic endorsements, the nation stands at a pivotal juncture that necessitates both political agreement and urgent economic reforms. The successful election of a president is critical to restoring Lebanon’s governance and addressing the pressing crisis at hand.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
