The appointment of Lebanon’s army chief, General Joseph Aoun, as the nation’s president has finally filled a significant leadership void of over two years.
Securing a decisive 99 out of 128 parliamentary votes in a second round of ballots marks the end of a prolonged stalemate. This election follows a fragile truce that paused 14 months of tension between Israel and Hezbollah, reflecting Lebanon’s urgent need for reconstruction aid.
“A fresh chapter begins for Lebanon’s history today,” declared the 60-year-old Aoun as he took his oath, surrounded by an atmosphere of relief and celebration as parliamentarians cheered his victory, achieved after 13 fruitless attempts to elect a successor to Michel Aoun, who left office in October 2022.
“Joseph Aoun being elected ushers in a transformative phase for Lebanon,” remarked Zeina Khodr from Al Jazeera, as she reported from Beirut. “He’s not only an international favorite but enjoys considerable local support too.”
Israel’s conflict with Lebanon had notably weakened Hezbollah’s standing, Khodr noted, shifting the political equilibrium in the region. She added, “Lebanon is in dire need of billions for rebuilding, but global financiers require assurance that leadership is not tainted by corruption.”
During his inaugural address, Aoun emphasized a vision of “nation-building” and fortifying the military while communicating inclusivity without causing political discord.
“Lebanon is a tapestry of political and sectarian divides,” Khodr pointed out. “It’s essential for all communities to feel represented to maintain civil harmony. Consensus isn’t just vital—it’s imperative for function.”
Since Michel Aoun’s presidency ended in 2022, Lebanon witnessed twelve failed presidential votes, victim to entrenched tensions, particularly involving Hezbollah and its adversaries.
In the initial voting attempt that day, pro-Hezbollah lawmakers chose to vote blank, leaving Aoun shy of the required majority. However, during a recess, dialogue with members of the bloc proved pivotal for progress.
Global stakes grew high as a successful election outcome was critical, with just 17 days left to deploy Lebanese forces alongside UN peacekeepers in the south under a precarious ceasefire.
As president, Aoun now faces Herculean tasks, from managing peace efforts to appointing a reform-driven prime minister, essential to navigate Lebanon through its dire economic peril.
‘A New Era Dawns’
Aoun is seen as a favored candidate by prominent global players, notably the United States and Saudi Arabia. At the parliamentary session, US ambassador Lisa Johnson expressed her joy, underscoring international optimism about the leadership change.
Congratulations also poured in from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Meanwhile, Iran’s embassy heralded Aoun’s presidency on X, eager to explore cooperative endeavors benefiting both nations.
Christophe Lemoine from the French Foreign Ministry described Aoun’s election as a promising new page for Lebanon, advocating for forming a strong government poised to tackle economic and stability issues.
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN’s special coordinator for Lebanon, hailed the election as a long-overdue step toward resolving the nation’s political quagmire, urging swift formation of a capable government.
Joseph Aoun, notable for being the fifth army commander to rise to the presidency and fourth consecutively, signals not just change but continuity in Lebanese leadership.
Source: Al Jazeera and various news agencies
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
