Lebanon's Parliament Convenes to Elect Joseph Aoun as President Amid Hezbollah's Support and Ceasefire Urgency

Jan 9, 2025, 05:02 AM

Lebanon's parliament convened on January 9, 2025, to elect a new president, marking the 13th attempt to fill the position vacant since October 2022. General Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, emerged as the leading candidate after Hezbollah's candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, withdrew and endorsed Aoun. Aoun's candidacy is supported by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and France, with the US pushing for his election to implement a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, which expires in three weeks. The Lebanese Forces and other political blocs have also shown support for Aoun, although some opposition persists. The election is crucial for Lebanon, which has been grappling with political paralysis and economic challenges exacerbated by recent conflicts. Aoun needs 86 votes to win in the first round and avoid a second round, which would require a constitutional amendment due to his military status.