Lebanese Army Chief Joseph Aoun Elected President After Two-Year Vacuum

Lebanese army chief Joseph Aoun was elected president on Thursday, ending a more than two-year leadership vacuum in the crisis-stricken country. Aoun secured 99 out of 128 votes in a second round of parliamentary voting, following an initial failure to achieve the required majority earlier in the day.

The announcement was made by parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, who confirmed Aoun’s victory. The election comes as Lebanon grapples with severe economic collapse, political instability, and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Aoun’s election is seen as a critical step toward addressing the nation’s ongoing crises.

Prior to the second round, representatives from Hezbollah and its ally Amal met with Aoun, signaling a potential consensus among key political blocs. The election process had been stalled for over two years due to deep political divisions and disagreements among Lebanon’s sectarian leaders.

Joseph Aoun, who has served as the head of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017, is widely respected for his leadership during the country’s tumultuous recent years. His presidency is expected to focus on stabilizing the economy, restoring international confidence, and addressing widespread public discontent.

Lebanon has been without a president since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. The prolonged vacancy has exacerbated the country’s challenges, including a collapsing currency, soaring poverty rates, and a lack of basic services. International observers have urged the new government to implement urgent reforms to unlock critical financial aid.