General Joseph Aoun has been appointed as the President of Lebanon, marking a significant development in the country’s leadership.

On Thursday, the Lebanese Parliament convened for a critical session aimed at electing a new president. This election seeks to resolve a presidential vacuum that has persisted for over two years, exacerbating the nation’s political and economic crises.

Initial Voting Results

During the first round of voting, the Lebanese Parliament failed to elect a president. None of the candidates secured the required two-thirds majority. The results of this initial round revealed that General Joseph Aoun received 71 votes, while 37 ballots were blank, 18 were invalid, and 2 were cast for other names.

Second Round Voting

In the second round, General Joseph Aoun garnered 99 votes out of a total of 128. This significant increase in support indicates a growing consensus around his candidacy.

International Attention on Lebanon

The session attracted notable international attention, with French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and several ambassadors from the quintet committee in attendance. Their presence underscores global interest in Lebanon’s future, particularly amid significant regional changes. These changes include a decline in Hezbollah’s influence following a devastating conflict and the weakening of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.

Joseph Aoun: A Leading Candidate

General Joseph Aoun has emerged as a prominent candidate for the presidency. His support stems from various internal political factions and endorsements from regional and international allies. Political figures in Lebanon have increasingly voiced their backing for Aoun over the past few hours, enhancing his position in the electoral landscape.

As Lebanon navigates through this pivotal moment, the election of a new president could play a crucial role in stabilizing the country. Observers will closely monitor the developments in the coming days as the parliament continues its efforts to fill the long-standing leadership void.

 

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