Lebanon’s parliament is likely to elect Army Chief Joseph Aoun as president on Thursday, ending a leadership vacuum since 2022.
This decision shows Hezbollah’s reduced influence, as it previously supported a different candidate, Suleiman Frangieh.
The presidency, reserved for a Maronite Christian, has been vacant since Michel Aoun's term ended in October 2022. No group in the 128-member parliament had enough votes to elect a president until now.
Joseph Aoun gained support after Frangieh withdrew his candidacy and backed him. Many lawmakers, including Shi’ite ones allied with Hezbollah and Speaker Nabih Berri, are expected to vote for Aoun, securing the 86 votes needed to win.
Western and Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and France, have pushed for Aoun’s election.
Saudi officials hinted at their support during recent meetings. Aoun is also seen as a candidate acceptable to the U.S., which has backed the Lebanese army under his leadership since 2017.
If elected, Aoun’s presidency could signal a new political phase in Lebanon.
