Lebanese lawmakers begin voting to elect new president

Lebanese lawmakers have commenced voting in a crucial presidential election on Thursday, seeking to fill the long-vacant post that has remained unoccupied since 2022.

Political sources indicate that General Joseph Aoun, the head of Lebanon’s U.S.-backed military, is expected to be elected as the country’s next president.

The election of General Aoun is seen as a significant moment in Lebanon’s political landscape, particularly in the wake of recent regional tensions and the ongoing power struggle between competing political factions. Aoun, who commands Lebanon’s armed forces, enjoys strong support from Washington, making him a key figure in the country’s efforts to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that have defined its political crisis.

General Aoun’s election would also be a clear indication of the diminishing influence of Hezbollah, the powerful Shiite militant group backed by Iran, which has traditionally exerted considerable influence over Lebanese politics. Analysts suggest that Aoun’s anticipated election reflects a shift in the balance of power in Lebanon, especially following the devastating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel last year.

Hezbollah’s role in Lebanese politics had long been a point of contention, with the group maintaining a significant military and political presence in the country. However, the aftermath of the war with Israel, which left Lebanon deeply scarred and facing severe economic challenges, has seen Hezbollah’s popularity among the Lebanese public diminish. The group’s involvement in the conflict, combined with growing economic distress, has raised questions about its ability to continue exercising the same level of control over the nation’s political future.

The election of Aoun would signal a major setback for Hezbollah’s influence, as it would pave the way for a candidate closely aligned with Lebanon’s military and the West. While the election is not without its challenges, Aoun’s backing from both the U.S. and key Lebanese factions suggests he could secure the support needed to win the presidency.

Lebanese lawmakers are expected to face pressure from various political groups throughout the voting process, but Aoun’s broad military backing and relatively neutral political stance have positioned him as a unifying figure who could bridge Lebanon’s deep divisions.

With the country grappling with a series of crises — from economic collapse to political paralysis — the election of a new president is seen as a critical step in stabilizing Lebanon’s fragile institutions. The hope is that Aoun’s leadership will help restore order and reassert Lebanon’s sovereignty amidst the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.

As the election unfolds, all eyes will be on Lebanon’s lawmakers to determine whether they will opt for a fresh chapter in the country’s troubled political history or continue to navigate the complex power struggles that have defined Lebanese governance for decades.