Lebanon Elects Army Chief Joseph Aoun as President, Ending Two-Year Political Deadlock

Lebanon’s parliament has elected Army Chief Joseph Aoun as the country’s president, filling a leadership vacuum that had persisted since October 2022. Aoun’s victory comes amid pressing economic challenges and the aftermath of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Joseph Aoun secured 99 votes in the 128-seat parliament during the second round of voting on Thursday. His election follows months of political stalemates, with tensions between Hezbollah and its opponents thwarting 12 previous attempts to choose a successor to former President Michel Aoun.

The election is seen as a critical step for Lebanon, paving the way for international aid needed to rebuild after prolonged economic crises and conflict.

In his acceptance speech, the 60-year-old president emphasized rebuilding the nation and fostering unity. “No one has been defeated,” Aoun declared, stressing the importance of inclusivity in a politically and sectarian-divided country.

He acknowledged the fragile nature of Lebanon’s governance, stating, “If one community feels left out, there cannot be civil peace. This country does not function without consensus.”

Aoun’s election has been met with widespread international support:
– **United States**: US Ambassador Lisa Johnson, who attended the session, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome.
– **Saudi Arabia**: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Aoun and emphasized cooperation.
– **Iran**: The Iranian embassy in Beirut welcomed the election, expressing hope for collaborative relations.
– **France**: The French Foreign Ministry called for the swift formation of a government capable of implementing reforms.
– **United Nations**: UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert urged immediate action to appoint a prime minister and address Lebanon’s institutional paralysis.

Joseph Aoun faces daunting responsibilities, including managing the ceasefire with Israel and deploying Lebanese troops alongside UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. Additionally, he must lead reforms demanded by international creditors to resolve Lebanon’s most severe economic crisis in history.

Aoun’s election marks the beginning of a new phase for Lebanon. As the fifth army commander to become president—and the fourth consecutively—he carries the weight of expectations from both the Lebanese people and the international community to steer the country towards stability and recovery.