Lebanon’s Army Chief, Joseph Aoun, has been elected as the country’s president, bringing an end to a more than two-year power vacuum. Aoun secured 99 votes in Lebanon’s 128-seat parliament during the second round of voting on Thursday, overcoming a deadlock that had persisted since the term of former president Michel Aoun ended in October 2022.
The election comes shortly after a fragile ceasefire ended 14 months of intense fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, as Lebanon looks to recover and seek international aid for reconstruction. Aoun’s victory, celebrated by members of parliament, was achieved on the 13th attempt to elect a new president, with the legislature reaching the required threshold of 86 votes to confirm his appointment.
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In his acceptance speech, Joseph Aoun emphasised the need for national unity and the strengthening of Lebanon’s army. He expressed a commitment to building the nation, while asserting that no one had been “defeated” in the process, a reference to the challenges Lebanon has faced in recent years, including the impact of regional conflicts and internal divisions.
The election marks a shift in Lebanon’s political landscape, as analysts suggest that Hezbollah, which has played a major role in the country’s politics, has been weakened by the ongoing conflict with Israel. Aoun’s presidency is seen as a critical step towards stability in a country long plagued by political and economic crises.
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