Lebanon’s parliament will attempt to elect a president, aiming to end the two-year-long vacancy that has persisted.
Though 12 previous attempts failed to select a successor to former President Michel Aoun, Thursday’s vote has potential.
Lebanese army commander Joseph Aoun leads as the frontrunner, favored by both the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Hezbollah had previously supported Suleiman Frangieh, leader of a small Christian party linked to former Syrian President Bashar Assad.
However, on Wednesday, Frangieh withdrew from the race and endorsed Aoun, clearing the way for the army chief.
Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system is prone to deadlock, both politically and procedurally. The country has experienced several extended presidential vacancies.
Lebanon’s constitution technically bars Joseph Aoun from becoming president while serving as a sitting army commander.
Although the ban has been waived before, Aoun now faces additional procedural hurdles.
Normally, a candidate requires a two-thirds majority from the 128-member house to win in the first round of presidential voting.
However, due to constitutional issues, Aoun would need a two-thirds majority even in the second round.
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Other contenders include Jihad Azour, a former finance minister, and Elias al-Baysari, the acting head of Lebanon’s General Security agency.
A president must appoint a permanent prime minister and cabinet for stable governance in the country.
The caretaker government has reduced powers since it lacks the official appointment from a sitting president.
The next government will face challenges apart from implementing the ceasefire agreement that ended the Israel-Hezbollah war and seeking reconstruction funds.
Lebanon is six years into an economic and financial crisis that decimated the country’s currency and wiped out the savings of many Lebanese.
The state electricity company provides only a few hours of power a day. Leaders reached a preliminary agreement with the IMF for a bail-out package in 2022 but have made limited progress on required reforms.
