Lebanon's 12th attempt to elect president ends in failure

Lebanese lawmakers made their 12th unsuccessful attempt on Wednesday to elect a new president, prolonging the power vacuum and exacerbating the divisions between Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents.

“The country has already been without a president for over seven months, and the previous attempt to elect a president took place on January 19.”

“Under Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system, the presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian. The latest vote pitted Hezbollah-backed Sleiman Frangieh against financial official Jihad Azour, who received support from Christian and independent legislators. However, neither candidate secured the necessary two-thirds majority, with Azour obtaining 59 votes and Frangieh receiving 51.”

“After casting their ballots, many lawmakers left the chamber, causing a loss of quorum before a second round of voting, where the winner only needs 65 votes, could take place. Parliament speaker Nabih Berri expressed frustration with the prolonged vacancy and called for consensus and dialogue to expedite the election of a president.”

“The international community has urged Lebanese politicians to elect a consensus candidate who can implement the necessary reforms to unlock financial aid. With the absence of a president and a caretaker government in place for over a year, Lebanon’s economy continues to suffer.”

“Hezbollah and its allies have disrupted previous votes by submitting invalid ballots and then leaving to prevent a second round of voting. This strategy was also employed during the last presidential election, resulting in over two years without a president until Michel Aoun’s victory in 2016.”

“Some observers believe that the repeated failed attempts to elect a president may lead to prolonged negotiations and eventually a compromise candidate. The United States and France have renewed their calls for Lebanese lawmakers to cooperate and fulfill their duty by electing a new president.”

“The situation underscores the pressing need for a resolution to Lebanon’s political impasse in order to address the country’s deepening economic crisis and implement much-needed reforms.”