Lebanon’s Army Chief Fails to Win Presidency in First Round
Lebanon’s Parliament Falls Short of Two-Thirds Majority
Lebanon’s army chief, Joseph Aoun, has fallen short of the two-thirds majority needed to become president in the first round of a parliamentary vote. Although Aoun received 71 out of 128 votes, the required 86 votes were not achieved. Speaker Nabih Berri suspended the session until 2:00 pm (1200 GMT), prompting outrage from some lawmakers who demanded an immediate second vote.
Voting Results
A total of 37 members of parliament voted blank, while 20 ballots were declared null and void. This outcome has left the possibility of a second round of voting open, with Aoun still in the running to become the country’s new president.
Background: The Crisis
Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Aoun ended in October 2022. The country has been struggling to form a new government capable of implementing reforms demanded by international creditors. The current political stalemate has hindered the country’s ability to overcome its economic and financial challenges.
The Importance of the Presidency
The president’s powers have been reduced since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war, but filling the position is crucial for overseeing consultations towards naming a new prime minister who would lead a new government capable of carrying out reforms. The president plays a vital role in the country’s political process, and a new president could bring much-needed stability to the country.
The Current Situation
The legislative session comes with only 17 days remaining in a ceasefire that called for the deployment of Lebanese troops alongside UN peacekeepers as Israeli forces withdraw from the country’s south. The ongoing crisis has left Lebanon in a state of political uncertainty, and the need for a new president has become more pressing than ever.
Conclusion
The outcome of the first round of voting has left the country in a state of uncertainty, with the possibility of a second round of voting still on the table. The importance of a new president cannot be overstated, as it could bring much-needed stability and leadership to Lebanon. The country’s politicians must come together to find a solution to this ongoing crisis and bring an end to the uncertainty that has plagued Lebanon for so long.
FAQs
- What is the required majority for the president to be elected?
A: A two-thirds majority, which Aoun did not achieve in the first round of voting. - How many members of parliament voted in favor of Aoun in the first round?
A: 71 out of 128. - How many members of parliament voted blank?
A: 37. - What is the current state of the ceasefire in Lebanon?
A: The current ceasefire is set to expire in 17 days, with Israeli forces withdrawing from the country’s south.