Lebanon’s parliament is meeting to elect a president of the republic, more than two years after the last president’s term ended.Lebanese political parties and leading figures have been in talks with foreign officials as discussions intensified over who will take the top job.
Here’s everything you need to know about Lebanon’s presidential vote on Thursday:
Two years? Why so long between presidents?
Parliament hasn’t managed to find a consensus candidate.
Despite the many crises Lebanon has suffered recently, political parties prioritise their interests over the public good, which would be served by a stable government.
Israel’s war on Lebanon at the end of 2023 derailed all thought of choosing a president, as Israel killed and displaced thousands of people and the caretaker government scrambled to cope.
During the ceasefire negotiations, the issue of selecting a president became an important topic of discussion.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati attends a parliamentary session [File: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters]
Does parliament elect the president?
Yes. Advertisement
In Lebanon, parliament elects the president with candidates campaigning among political blocs and members of parliament (MPs) – not the Lebanese electorate.
Lebanon has 128 MPs, and a candidate needs a majority with at least 86 votes.
Since the civil war ended in 1990, Lebanese presidents have been consensus candidates who are not part of political movements.
An exception is Michel Aoun, who led the Free Patriotic Movement before becoming president.
Who will win?
The Lebanese president has to be a Maronite Christian, according to Lebanon’s political representation system.
The current leading candidate is the head of the Lebanese army, General Joseph Ao …
