Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun on Thursday failed in the first round to secure the 86 votes needed to be elected as a new president, with eyes on the second round that is expected to lead to his election.
Lebanon’s Parliament has convened on Thursday to elect a new president after a two-year vacuum.
Lawmakers assembled in the Parliament’s general hall in the 13th attempt to elect the new president. The count of the first round showed 71 votes for the army chief while a number of Lebanese lawmakers cast blank votes.
Under Lebanon’s parliamentarian system, a quorum of two-thirds (86 votes) is required to proceed with the first round. If subsequent rounds are needed, a simple majority (more than 50% or 65 votes) suffices. The presidential term lasts six years, with reelection prohibited until six years after the end of the initial term.
To qualify for candidacy, individuals must meet the eligibility criteria for parliamentary membership and face no legal impediments. Judges and senior civil servants are ineligible to run for office while serving and for two years after their resignation, retirement, or cessation of duties.
Earlier on Wednesday, Marada Movement Leader Sleiman Franjieh withdrew from the presidential race, with commander Aoun reportedly receiving international backing.
Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Aoun – not related to the army chief – ended in October 2022.
Source: Lebanese media (Translated and edited by Al-Manar English Website)
