BEIRUT — On Thursday, Lebanon’s parliament convened to officially elect Joseph Aoun, the army chief, as the new president, thus ending a prolonged presidential vacancy that lasted over two years. This vote follows a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which settled a 14-month-long period of tension, while Lebanese leaders are actively seeking international aid to support reconstruction efforts.
Joseph Aoun is not related to the former President Michel Aoun and has been perceived as the favored choice by both the United States and Saudi Arabia, whose support is crucial for Lebanon’s recovery. This election marked the legislature’s thirteenth attempt to select a successor after Michel Aoun’s presidential term concluded in October 2022. Previously, Hezbollah had endorsed another candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, who leads a small Christian party in northern Lebanon with ties to former Syrian President Bashar Assad. However, in a surprising turn on Wednesday, Frangieh withdrew his candidacy and instead backed Aoun, paving the way for the army commander’s election.
Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, noted that the weakening of Hezbollah, following its conflict with Israel and the decline of its ally Assad, coupled with escalating international pressure, contributed significantly to the election’s outcome. During the initial voting round, Aoun secured 71 out of 128 votes, falling short of the two-thirds majority necessary for an outright win. In this first round, 37 lawmakers opted for blank ballots, while 14 members voted in favor of “sovereignty and the constitution.” In the subsequent round, Aoun garnered 99 votes, enough to assume the presidency.
Following the election, Mohammed Raad, the head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, suggested that members of the group intentionally refrained from voting for Aoun in the first round to convey a political message that Hezbollah should not be overlooked, even amid its reduced influence. “We withheld our votes to signify that while we guard Lebanon’s sovereignty, we are also protectors of national unity,” Raad stated.
Joseph Aoun was ceremoniously escorted into the parliament chamber in Beirut, where he took the oath of office to the sound of a marching band. Celebrations erupted in various neighborhoods, with some residents firing guns and launching fireworks. In his southern hometown of Aichiye, people waved the national flag and shared traditional sweets, highlighting the jubilation of the moment. Aoun addressed parliament, committing to reforms within the judicial system, tackling corruption, and reinforcing the state’s authority to maintain a monopoly on weapons — a poignant reference to Hezbollah’s armaments.
He also promised to secure Lebanon’s borders and enhance the effectiveness of security forces while formulating a strategic defense policy aimed at removing the Israeli presence from southern parts of Lebanon. Additionally, Aoun expressed his intent to rebuild areas affected by Israeli military actions. In Lebanon’s complex political structure, characterized by a sectarian power-sharing arrangement, the presidency is traditionally held by a Maronite Christian, the prime minister by a Sunni Muslim, and the parliamentary speaker by a Shiite.
Despite the actual powers of the president, only he can appoint or dismiss a prime minister and cabinet members. The current caretaker government has been limited in authority due to the absence of a sitting president since the departure of Michel Aoun. Joseph Aoun’s elevation makes him the fifth individual from the military to assume the presidency, notwithstanding constitutional restrictions that prevent high-ranking officials, including army commanders, from seeking presidency during their tenure or within two years of leaving the post.
Under standard procedures, a candidate requires a two-thirds majority in the initial voting round or a simple majority in subsequent rounds. However, due to the extraordinary circumstances of Aoun’s election, he needed a two-thirds majority in the second round, which he attained. At 60 years old, he was appointed as army commander in 2017 and was expected to retire in January 2024; his term was extended amid the conflict with Hezbollah. He has largely maintained a low profile and refrained from public campaigns regarding his candidacy.
Other potential candidates included Jihad Azour, a former finance minister currently serving with the International Monetary Fund, and Elias al-Baysari, who heads Lebanon’s General Security agency. Al-Baysari announced his withdrawal from the race on Thursday. The new administration will be confronted with significant challenges, including the implementation of the ceasefire pact and securing funds for post-conflict reconstruction.
Lebanon is currently enduring a prolonged economic crisis, which has decimated its currency and drastically reduced citizens’ savings. The state-provided electricity supply is minimal, often less than a few hours per day. Leaders of the nation had reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package in 2022 but have struggled to advance the necessary reforms. Randa Slim noted that the backing of Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and Europe positions Aoun favorably to execute reforms but cautioned that he will still need to navigate the complexities of Lebanese political dynamics, particularly his relationship with Hezbollah, which holds substantial political influence. Aoun has historically not been adversarial towards Hezbollah, but he has maintained a position of independence. His experience in economic affairs is limited, suggesting he may rely heavily on advisors moving forward.
