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

Lebanon's parliament has elected Army Chief Joseph Aoun as the country's new president, bringing an end to a prolonged power vacuum that lasted over two years. Aoun, a career soldier and commander of the Lebanese army since 2017, received substantial support from various political factions, including endorsements from the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia.

The election follows a recent ceasefire agreement that concluded hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. The Lebanese army played a crucial role during this period, remaining uninvolved in the conflict and preparing to enforce the ceasefire stipulations, which include ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the disbandment of Hezbollah's armed presence in southern Lebanon by January 26.

In the parliamentary vote, Aoun initially fell short of the two-thirds majority required in the first round, receiving 71 votes. However, he was ultimately elected after garnering 99 votes in the second round, achieving the necessary two-thirds majority. This election marks a significant shift in Lebanese politics as the country has struggled with a functional government since the last parliamentary elections in May 2022, which culminated in the end of former president Michel Aoun’s term.

Joseph Aoun has previously navigated the Lebanese army through significant crises, including the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion and ongoing economic challenges. His election has been met with celebrations nationwide, indicating a potential move toward political stabilization in Lebanon.