Lebanon has elected Joseph Aoun, the army chief, as its new president after a prolonged political impasse. His election saw overwhelming support from various political factions amidst a dire economic crisis and significant humanitarian challenges. Aoun faces immediate tasks, including appointing a new central bank governor and implementing a ceasefire agreement with Israel. His leadership is crucial for restoring stability, with international backing from countries like the USA and France.
Lebanon Welcomes New Leadership with Joseph Aoun’s Election
In a significant development for Lebanon, the nation has finally appointed a new president after a two-year political and economic struggle. On Thursday afternoon, Joseph Aoun, the army chief, was elected as the country’s head of state, with more than two-thirds of parliament members supporting his candidacy. This 61-year-old general is anticipated to guide Lebanon through one of its most challenging crises in recent history.
A Unity Vote for Change
The election of Aoun was facilitated by a rare show of unity among various political factions, including Christian and Sunni representatives, as well as members from the Shiite Amal movement and Hezbollah. A total of 99 out of 128 parliament members cast their votes in favor of Aoun, who has maintained a relatively low profile in the public eye. While traditionally, the constitution does not permit the army chief to be elected, the two-thirds majority vote has been interpreted as a tacit approval for a constitutional amendment.
Lebanon had faced political paralysis following the end of Michel Aoun’s presidency in October 2022, with parliament convening numerous times without reaching a consensus on a new leader. The ongoing political standoff had stalled the election process, preventing any candidate from securing the necessary votes due to internal party conflicts.
Hezbollah’s support for Aoun’s election follows the withdrawal of their preferred candidate, Sleiman Frangieh, just a day before the vote. This development indicates a shift in strategy as the group seeks financial backing from international allies like the USA, France, and Saudi Arabia, all of whom have signaled their support for Aoun’s presidency. Lebanon’s dire financial situation has become increasingly apparent, especially following the recent conflict with Israel, furthering the country’s dependency on foreign aid.
With the Hezbollah’s military power diminished and their traditional support from Iran dwindling, the decision to back Aoun might reflect a recognition of the need for reconstruction support from Western nations. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the influx of over a million Syrian refugees, necessitates urgent action from the new leadership.
Expectations for Joseph Aoun’s administration are high, as critical decisions have been deferred for over two years. Among these are the appointment of a new central bank governor and the formation of a functioning government. Current Prime Minister Najib Mikati has been serving in a caretaker role since 2022, amid a profound economic and financial crisis that shows little sign of resolution without international assistance.
Aoun is also tasked with overseeing the implementation of a ceasefire agreement reached in late November between Israel and Hezbollah, which includes provisions for troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon within 60 days and the Lebanese army’s assumption of control. However, the army’s ability to assert dominance over Hezbollah remains in question, given the militia’s previous military superiority and the Lebanese forces’ ongoing underfunding.
The election of a president marks a pivotal step towards long-term stability in Lebanon. The French Foreign Ministry has hailed this moment as “historic and important for the future of Lebanon,” while the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, Amos Hochstein, described Aoun’s election as a “step towards peace and stability.” Nevertheless, the new leadership must navigate a political landscape that often prioritizes elite interests over the needs of the broader population.