Lebanon Parliament Seeks to Elect New President After Extended Vacancy

Lebanon’s parliament will attempt to elect a president after two years of vacancy. Joseph Aoun, the army commander, is favored, having received critical endorsements. The election process is complicated by constitutional hurdles, requiring a two-thirds majority for Aoun. The country faces significant governance and economic challenges, necessitating a permanent government.

Lebanon’s parliament is scheduled to make yet another attempt to elect a president, seeking to end a protracted vacancy that has persisted for over two years. Although twelve previous attempts have not resulted in a successful election following the departure of former President Michel Aoun in October 2022, there are indications that this latest vote may yield a head of state. Lieutenant General Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese Army and not related to the former president, is currently the leading candidate and is perceived as favored by both the United States and Saudi Arabia, whose support Lebanon requires for post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

Hezbollah, once a supporter of another candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, a leader of a Christian party with ties to former Syrian President Bashar Assad, has seemingly shifted its backing. On Wednesday, Frangieh announced his withdrawal from the election, endorsing Joseph Aoun and thereby facilitating potential consensus around the army chief’s candidacy.

Lebanon’s complex sectarian power-sharing framework has historically led to prolonged deadlocks in electing a president. The nation has experienced several instances of extended presidential vacancies, notably a 2.5-year gap from May 2014 to October 2016 before Michel Aoun assumed office. However, Joseph Aoun’s active military role encompasses constitutional barriers to his presidency and requires a two-thirds majority in voting procedures, even more than the typical requirement. Notable alternative candidates include Jihad Azour, a former finance minister now serving at the International Monetary Fund, and Elias al-Baysari, the acting head of Lebanon’s General Security agency.

The appointment of a president is essential for establishing a permanent prime minister and cabinet, as Lebanon has been under the governance of a caretaker administration lacking full authority for the past two years. The incoming government will confront significant challenges, including implementing the ceasefire following the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict and sourcing financial assistance for recovery efforts.

Additionally, Lebanon continues to grapple with a severe economic crisis that has drastically diminished the national currency’s value and false liquidity among its populace. The country has reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund regarding a bailout package; however, actual reforms necessary to finalize the deal have seen limited progression.

Lebanon has been experiencing significant political instability highlighted by a two-year presidential vacancy following the end of former President Michel Aoun’s term in October 2022. The lack of a president has hampered the appointment of a permanent government amid a severe economic crisis characterized by currency devaluation and inadequate public services. The governing framework in Lebanon relies on a delicate sectarian balance that has contributed to legislative deadlock in past elections, making this presidential vote particularly crucial for the nation’s recovery.

In summary, Lebanon’s parliament is attempting to break a two-year presidential void with a new election, where Joseph Aoun, the army commander, emerges as the leading candidate. The dynamics surrounding his candidacy have shifted with strategic endorsements, particularly after Hezbollah’s support for Frangieh was withdrawn. The need for a president is critical to restoring effective governance and addressing the severe economic challenges facing the nation.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com