Gen. Joseph Aoun Emerges as Front-Runner in Lebanon’s Presidential Race
Lebanon’s presidential race intensifies with Army Chief Gen. Joseph Aoun emerging as a leading candidate. Reportedly, Hezbollah’s Suleiman Frangieh may withdraw, paving the way for Aoun’s potential election. French envoy Le Drian’s endorsement could further consolidate Aoun’s support among various factions, as parliament prepares to fill the long-vacant presidency.
A day prior to the Lebanese parliament’s scheduled session on the presidential election, the political scene in Beirut was abuzz with activity as discussions intensified. Reports suggested that Hezbollah’s candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, might withdraw, thereby positioning Army Chief Gen. Joseph Aoun as the frontrunner for the presidency. French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian’s visit to facilitate talks and his recommendation of Aoun without preconditions added momentum to the lead-up to the election.
Hezbollah’s parliamentary leader, MP Mohammed Raad, expressed openness to a consensus candidate, suggesting flexibility on their part. Should Aoun secure backing from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, he could amass 95 votes in Lebanon’s 128-member parliament, thus bypassing the need for a constitutional amendment, as he is still serving as army commander.
All parliamentary factions appeared committed to attending the session, ensuring a quorum, while optimistic statements from Prime Minister Najib Mikati sparked hopes for a resolution of the presidential vacancy, which has existed since October 2022. Previous attempts to elect a president faltered due to political discord among factions.
This upcoming session marks the 13th electoral gathering, amidst a gradually dwindling pool of candidates connected to ongoing political strife and external influences, particularly the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Other candidates such as Samir Geagea and the lesser-discussed options like Elias Al-Bayssari and Ziad Baroud also persist in the discussions, but Aoun’s momentum continues to build. Fadi Karam of the Lebanese Forces remarked on the significant shift towards Aoun’s candidacy, indicating broadening support within political circles.
In the context of these debates, the Maronite Archbishops Council called for a national resurgence to restore unity and enable effective governance in Lebanon, highlighting the critical nature of today’s deliberations in shaping the country’s future. They urged progress towards neutrality to safeguard Lebanon’s stability and foster constructive national dialogue.
The presidential office in Lebanon has remained unfilled for over 26 months, a vacancy resulting from prolonged political strife and division among various factions. The election process has faced numerous setbacks as consensus candidates have failed to gain sufficient support from all parliamentary groups. The political landscape is particularly complex due to the interplay between local factions, the influence of Hezbollah, and the ongoing regional tensions, particularly concerning Israel. The involvement of external actors, such as France, reflects the international interest in stabilizing the Lebanese political arena as the nation seeks to restore effective governance and unity among its people.
In summary, the prospects of Gen. Joseph Aoun ascending to the presidency in Lebanon appear more plausible as political dynamics shift. With potential withdrawal of Hezbollah’s favored candidate, supportive statements from key political figures, and international backing, Aoun may finally break the prolonged stalemate of the presidential vacancy. The upcoming parliamentary session will be critical in determining whether Lebanon can move towards consensus and stability after many months of political deadlock.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
