General Joseph Aoun Emerges as Leading Candidate for Lebanese Presidency

General Joseph Aoun may become Lebanon’s next president as reports indicate Hezbollah’s candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, might withdraw. French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian supports Aoun’s candidacy without preconditions. With parliamentary blocs committed to attending an election session, optimism is growing for filling Lebanon’s presidential vacancy after over two years.

On the eve of a crucial parliamentary session, General Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese army appears to be rising as a leading candidate for the presidency, a position left vacant for over 26 months. Tensions flared as reports emerged that Hezbollah’s initially favored candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, might withdraw from the race. The atmosphere was further charged by the arrival of French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, who emphasized Aoun’s candidacy without preconditions, symbolizing a potential shift in political dynamics.

As talks intensified among various political factions in Lebanon, Hezbollah’s Parliamentary Bloc indicated a willingness to support any consensus-driven candidate, which could potentially incorporate General Aoun. This support may lead Aoun to secure the necessary votes in parliament, thus avoiding the need for constitutional amendments necessary for his election. The session, anticipated to achieve a quorum thanks to unified participation from parliamentary blocs, represents a pivotal moment as politicians seek to surmount previous deadlocks around presidential succession.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed optimism about advancing the electoral process, signaling a refreshing sentiment after a protracted political stalemate. Observers noted an emerging possibility of greater cooperation among parliament members, essential for the election of a new president. The session marks the thirteenth attempt to elect a successor since former president Michel Aoun’s term expired in October 2022, amidst a backdrop of persistent ideological divisions and a tumultuous regional environment.

Lebanon has experienced a prolonged presidential vacancy, lasting over two years due to intense political fragmentation and conflict among various factions. Previous electoral sessions have failed to produce a consensus candidate, partly due to the complexities surrounding the endorsement of candidates by Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement, among others. With the backdrop of ongoing conflict with Israel and regional instability, the number of viable candidates has dwindled, highlighting the urgency for national unity amid a pressing political crisis that has seen Lebanon face unprecedented challenges.

General Joseph Aoun’s candidacy for the Lebanese presidency appears increasingly viable, bolstered by shifts in political support and the potential withdrawal of alternative candidates. As Lebanon heads into a critical parliamentary session, the prospect of electing a new president offers a glimmer of hope, contrasting sharply with the prolonged political inertia experienced in recent months. The upcoming electoral proceedings could determine the future trajectory of national governance in a country burdened by economic and political challenges.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com