After more than two years of presidential vacancy, the Lebanese Parliament has finally elected the army's commander, Joseph Aoun, as the country's new president. Aoun is widely respected for his military leadership during intense political, security, and economic crises, with all neighbouring countries welcoming his election as a sign of stability.

In a historic parliamentary session attended by all 128 members, Aoun secured 99 votes in the second round, with nine blank ballots, 18 invalid votes, and two votes for other candidates. His election follows significant international diplomatic efforts led by Saudi Arabia, France, and the United States to mediate between Lebanon’s deeply divided political factions and resolve the prolonged presidential stalemate.  

This marks the end of one of Lebanon's most prolonged presidential vacancies, lasting more than two years. Parliament had failed to elect a president in 12 previous sessions, the last of which occurred in June 2023.  

A precedent of military president

Speaking to IntelliNews, constitutional expert Said Malek highlighted the constitutional controversy surrounding the election of the new Lebanese president, particularly regarding the legitimacy of his election. Malek explained the complexities of Article 49 of the Lebanese constitution, which prohibits the election of first-class public servants, including army commanders, during their term of office and for two years after they resign or cease their duties. Electoral law also stipulates that military personnel must observe a six-month waiting period after leaving service before seeking political office.

However, Malek pointed out that Lebanon had already witnessed a similar precedent in 2008 when Michel Sleiman was elected president while serving as army commander under extraordinary circumstances. He clarified that elections conducted under Article 74 of the Constitution, which mandates the immediate convening of Parliament to elect a successor in the event of a presidential vacancy due to death, resignation, or other reasons, supersede the typical restrictions and timelines. This legal interpretation facilitated Aoun’s election despite the usual ineligibility criteria for individuals in similar positions.  

Malek stressed that opposition to Aoun’s presidency cannot legally challenge its legitimacy. "A legal appeal before the Constitutional Council requires the backing of 43 MPs, a majority that is currently unattainable. Moreover, once the 24-hour deadline for filing objections passes without action, the election becomes final and impervious to any legal challenges," he explained.  

Malek described Aoun’s inaugural address as a manifesto of sovereignty, reform, and recovery. "For the first time, a Lebanese president addressed the exclusivity of arms without invoking resistance. Furthermore, there was an explicit emphasis on combating corruption and fostering constructive relations with Lebanon’s Arab and Gulf neighbours. This marks the dawn of a new era that could potentially extricate Lebanon from its current state of crisis," Malek stated.  

Military returns to prominence

Aoun is the fifth army commander to ascend to the presidency in Lebanon, following in the footsteps of Fouad Chehab, Émile Lahoud, Michel Sleiman, and Michel Aoun. Born in 1964 in Sin el-Fil, eastern Lebanon, Aoun holds degrees in military sciences and political science (with a specialisation in international affairs). He is a native in Arabic while fluent in French and English.  He joined the Lebanese Army in 1983 and held several senior positions before being appointed commander of the armed forces in March 2017.

Aoun enjoys strong relationships with both local and international actors, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, which have provided substantial support to the Lebanese Army in recent years. Although Hezbollah's initial stance on his candidacy was ambivalent, the group ultimately supported a consensus-driven approach to end the political deadlock. That was later echoed back in Tehran by Hezbollah’s supporters who welcomed Aoun’s success in the presidential choice.   

The new president faces a multitude of challenges, most notably the implementation of the November 2023 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. Under this agreement, the Lebanese Army is tasked with deploying in the south, monitoring borders, and confiscating unauthorised weapons—a daunting responsibility in an area long regarded as a Hezbollah stronghold.  

The ceasefire, which followed an Israeli offensive that left 4,000 dead and displaced approximately 1.4mn people, includes a gradual Israeli withdrawal south of the Blue Line over 60 days and the Lebanese Army’s deployment in the region. The army’s pivotal role in this agreement was a key factor in tipping the scales in Aoun's favour during the presidential race.  

Economic agenda at front and centre

In an interview with IntelliNews, economic expert Ziad Nasserdine discussed Lebanon’s economic future following President Joseph Aoun’s inauguration speech, highlighting the critical steps needed to restore stability to the country’s ailing economy.

Nasserdine points out the importance of establishing a clear economic vision and addressing Lebanon’s ongoing crises, including the aftermath of the 2019 financial collapse, the impact of Israeli aggression, and the pressing need for reconstruction and reform. 

He explained that the government must focus on restoring domestic and international confidence. He stressed the importance of judicial independence in driving reforms and tackling Lebanon’s financial gap, urging a comprehensive approach free from political interference.

Nasserdine stressed the need for a government capable of implementing reforms within legal frameworks that prioritise the well-being of the Lebanese people. He also called for an economic rescue conference to define Lebanon’s economic vision and increase international confidence, ultimately facilitating the return of financial aid from international organisations.