Nov 28, 2024, 2:53 PM
Nov 28, 2024, 12:00 AM

Lebanon prepares to elect new president after two-year vacancy

Highlights
  • Lebanon's Parliament has scheduled a session on January 9 to elect a new president after more than two years without a head of state.
  • For over two years, the country has faced political stagnation due to the inability of the two main political blocs to reach a consensus for the election.
  • The upcoming session represents a critical opportunity to restore stability and leadership in Lebanon amid a challenging political environment.
Story

Lebanon has been in a political vacuum since October 2022, as the country has lacked a president following the end of Michel Aoun's term. This has led to significant challenges in governance and stability, with the primary political factions unable to reach a consensus on a successor. The situation escalated as both Hezbollah and its opposition failed to secure a parliamentary majority required for the election of a new president. On November 28, 2024, official media announced that Lebanon's Parliament will convene on January 9, seeking to conclude the two-year absence of a head of state. The call for this session was made by Speaker Nabih Berri, who has also been involved in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah. Following the ceasefire, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed hope for a renewed political atmosphere conducive to electing a president. Hezbollah's leadership has indicated their intent to facilitate the presidential election process in the aftermath of recent conflicts. The existing political framework in Lebanon designates that the presidency is to be held by a Maronite Christian, the premiership by a Sunni Muslim, and the parliamentary speakership by a Shiite Muslim. This established arrangement reflects the sectarian balance that is crucial to Lebanese politics and governance.

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