Lebanon’s parliament meets to elect a new president

Lebanon’s parliament will meet today in Beirut to elect a new president.

The presidency, traditionally reserved for a Maronite Christian, has been vacant since Michel Aoun’s term expired on October 31, 2022. Prime Minister Najib Mikati has since held presidential powers in a caretaker capacity. Political deadlock between Hezbollah and opposition factions has paralyzed the election process, requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority. This leadership vacuum has worsened Lebanon’s economic collapse, stalled critical reforms needed for IMF loans, and deepened political instability, particularly in the south.

In November 2024, Speaker Nabih Berri scheduled today’s session to encourage factions to rally around candidates in advance. The recent Israel-Lebanon ceasefire has created a unique window for political compromise. Key contenders include Samir Geagea, leader of Lebanon’s largest Christian political party, and Joseph Aoun, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. While Hezbollah announced it would veto Geagea, Hezbollah appears open to Aoun, who is reportedly backed by the West and Saudi Arabia. This alignment positions Aoun as a strong contender to become Lebanon’s 14th president.

An Aoun presidency could stabilize Lebanon’s political landscape by bridging factional divides. Questions remain, however, over whether he will challenge Hezbollah’s influence as decisively as Geagea might, which could allow Hezbollah to regain strength over the next six years. Ultimately, Aoun’s success in implementing economic reforms and addressing Hezbollah’s power will determine whether Lebanon can restore both domestic and international confidence in its governance.