General Joseph Aoun: Leading Candidate for Lebanese Presidency

General Joseph Aoun appears to be the frontrunner for Lebanon’s presidency as Suleiman Frangieh may withdraw from contention. French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian’s support and potential backing from Hezbollah could bolster Aoun’s prospects, setting the stage for a hopeful electoral session that might conclude Lebanon’s prolonged political vacuum.

As Lebanon prepares for its presidential election session, Army Chief General Joseph Aoun emerges as a leading candidate following reports that Hezbollah’s preferred nominee, Suleiman Frangieh, may withdraw from the race. This anticipation builds as French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian meets with various political figures, advocating for Aoun’s candidacy. Should he secure backing from Hezbollah and Amal Movement MPs, Aoun could potentially receive 95 votes in the 128-member parliament, thus avoiding the need for a constitutional amendment.

Political discourse indicates a possible consensus among parliament members who have been historically divided. Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed optimism about the situation, stating he felt “joy for the first time since the presidential vacancy.” Meanwhile, the Maronite Archbishops Council has called for the election of a unifying figure for Lebanon’s future, reflecting an unprecedented momentum toward potentially resolving the presidency stalemate.

Following numerous attempts to elect a president, a cohesive political strategy is essential, given the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and challenges in the region. Previous presidential elections have failed to garner a majority, but today’s gatherings suggest a shift in allegiance toward Aoun. The Lebanese electorate remains hopeful as the 13th electoral session is poised to commence, with all relevant blocs expected to attend, thereby ensuring the necessary quorum for the voting process.

Lebanon has been without a president for over 26 months, creating a political vacuum that has exacerbated existing tensions among various factions. The presidency became vacant as former President Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. Repeated electoral sessions have faltered due to disagreements regarding suitable candidates, particularly between Hezbollah’s allies and opposition parties. The current scenario presents an opportunity for dynamics to shift, particularly with the potential withdrawal of major candidates and the call for a unifying leader.

In conclusion, the prospect of General Joseph Aoun becoming Lebanon’s next president is more plausible than ever. With possible withdrawals of opposing candidates and a burgeoning consensus among parliamentary factions, the upcoming session could yield a historic resolution to Lebanon’s prolonged leadership impasse. Political figures emphasize the need for unity and national reform, highlighting Aoun as a viable candidate capable of navigating the country toward stability.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com