The nation of Lebanon at last has elected a new president after more than two years without a head of state.
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Chief Joseph Aoun won the election on Thursday after a second round produced 99 votes in his favor in the 128-seat parliament.
The breakthrough came after Hezbollah’s candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, withdrew and declared support for Aoun, age 60 and commander of the Lebanese army since 2017.
But the election results were also due, at least in part, to intense pressure from French, Saudi and US envoys, according to Reuters.
Envoys from all three nations warned Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri that international financial aid depended upon Aoun being elected.
Aoun, who enjoys the support of the United States, will fill the vacancy that has crippled Lebanon since the completion of former President Michel Aoun’s term in October 2022.
There has been no head of state – nor an empowered cabinet – since Aoun left office.
Lebanese government is divided up between the countries various ethnic sectors. The president is always a Maronite Christian; the prime minister is always a Sunni Muslim.
The first item of business for the new president will be to consult with parliamentarians and nominate a candidate for prime minister capable of forming a new cabinet.
