Lebanon’s Army Chief, General Joseph Aoun, has been elected as the country’s new president following a second round of parliamentary voting. This marks the end of a political deadlock that had left Lebanon without a head of state since October 2022.
In the vote held on Thursday afternoon, General Aoun secured 99 votes out of the 128-member parliament, overcoming the months-long stalemate and ushering in a new phase for the nation.
The election comes just weeks after a ceasefire brought an end to 14 months of intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, raising hopes for a period of relative stability in Lebanon.
At the parliament session, the 61-year-old Aoun remarked, “Today marks the beginning of a new era in Lebanon’s history,” signaling a potential shift in the country’s political trajectory.
Aoun’s election is seen as a significant development for Lebanon, which has been grappling with both political paralysis and an ongoing economic crisis. His leadership could play a pivotal role in navigating the nation through its complex challenges.
