Joseph Aoun, has been elected president of Lebanon by parliament, filling the position that had been vacant for quite a long time.
His election after a year of fighting against Israel represents the most dramatic political shift in the waning influence of Hezbollah.
Whereas, Hezbollah weakened and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad out in December. Itindicates a broader shift in the balance of power in Lebanon and the Middle East.
It was vacant since October 2022. Under the sectarian power-sharing deal in Lebanon, the post of presidency traditionally goes to a Maronite Christian.
His resignation had really left Lebanon’s major parties quite divided on the gap when Michel Aoun resigned.
He emerged victorious in the runoff with 99 votes after losing the first round where he was short of the minimum number of votes by 86.
Hezbollah and its allies-Amal Movement-backtracked on the decision and stood for his election.
Suleiman Frangieh, Hezbollah’s former favorite candidate, supported Joseph Aoun after he resigned, which increased his popularity.
The French and Saudi ambassadors met with Lebanese leaders to campaign for his election.
However, according to a source close to Saudi leadership, the election of Joseph Aoun was a precondition for receiving foreign financial aid. It was especially a prerequisite for receiving aid from Saudi Arabia.
French Ambassador Jean-Yves Le Drian and ambassadors from the Quint group attended the election session. Quint group from the the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt also joined.
Their willingness to extend their support to Lebanon in its time of recovery shows how important it is for them. They needed a positive decision regarding a president and government.
“Lebanon needs a president and government to secure international aid,” said Christian lawmaker Michel Mouawad, who opposes Hezbollah, expressing confidence.
Additionally, Joseph Aoun’s election is a significant step toward restoring the government in Lebanon.
Moreover, since the end of Michel Aoun’s term, the country has been in limbo without a president or an operational ministry. It caused government institutions to come to a standstill.
