Lebanese lawmakers on Thursday began a session that could elect army chief Joseph Aoun as president after a hiatus of more than two years, Lebanese media reported.
The commander’s chances have increased following the withdrawal of Hezbollah’s preferred candidate Suleiman Franjieh and support from several key political blocs.
The presidency has been vacant for the past two years and 12 attempts to elect him have ended in failure as parliamentarians, particularly Hizbullah supporters and opponents, could not agree on a compromise candidate.
However, the current vote comes against the backdrop of a political landscape in the country that has changed in recent months. Hezbollah’s position has weakened following the escalation in the south and Israeli operations that killed almost all of the group’s top commanders, including Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in neighbouring Syria has further shaken Hezbollah’s position.
Franjieh announced his recall on Wednesday, backing Aoun, who is “qualified” for the presidency. Ayoub Hmayed, an MP from the Development and Liberation bloc led by the Shiite Amal party and parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, hinted at Aoun’s support, emphasising the need for consensus. Amal remains a close ally of Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, Lebanese Forces party leader Farid Geagea, a fierce critic of Hezbollah, has expressed openness to Aoun’s candidacy, saying on Tuesday that he was “ready to consider” him if Hezbollah and its allies formally back the general.
Hezbollah has yet to give an official endorsement. However, senior official Wafiq Safa said on Sunday that Hezbollah is not vetoing General Aoun’s presidential candidacy.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed optimism on Wednesday, saying he felt “joy” for the first time since the presidency became vacant. He said:
“If God willing, tomorrow we will have a new president of the republic.”
