Joseph Aoun Elected President of Lebanon

Lebanon's parliament has elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president, ending a two-year political deadlock that followed the end of Michel Aoun's presidency in October 2022. Aoun secured the presidency with 99 votes in a second round of voting, which was facilitated by the withdrawal of Hezbollah's preferred candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, and international pressure from the US and Saudi Arabia for a resolution. His election is seen as a critical step towards stabilizing Lebanon, which is still recovering from the economic fallout of the 2019 financial collapse and the recent war with Israel. The new president will play a vital role in selecting a Sunni prime minister to form a government capable of implementing necessary reforms to attract international aid. Aoun's ascendance reflects shifting power dynamics in Lebanon, particularly following Hezbollah's weakened position post-conflict. The army, under Aoun's leadership, will also oversee the implementation of the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel established in November 2023.