This morning, Tuesday, November 1, Lebanon entered presidential vacuum for sixth time in its modern history.

Lebanese Parliament failed to elect a new Head of State four times in a row. Thus, Former President Michel Aoun’s term ended on October 31 with a presidential vacuum.

A two-thirds majority vote is required to elect a successor according to Constitution.

In Lebanon, a Maronite Christian occupies the position of president. Meanwhile, A Sunni Muslim acts as Prime Minister and a Shia Muslim as Parliament Speaker.

Such a vacuum could leave the government’s hands tied, since under Lebanon’s system the president must approve any new cabinet that forms, and the outgoing incumbent has not done so. In a void, caretaker ministers will struggle to make reforms the country needs to obtain rescue from its economic woes.

Lebanon can ill afford the price of another extended vacancy in the presidency. It is not the most active position in the Lebanese executive branch since it is the prime minister who is primarily responsible for the government’s functioning. However, the president does have the capacity to block the formation of new cabinets – a power that Aoun used several times – and plays other roles integral to Lebanese governance. 

When the presidency is vacant, its powers devolve to the government, but the government is constrained as to how it can use them. 

However, Lebanese situation seems one of a kind. The current government already operates in a limited capacity, having resigned after the May 15 parliamentary elections. Furthermore, and on top of that, President Aoun decided to sign its resignation hours before leaving Baabda Palace.

Mikati announced his willingness to still assume presidential powers.

In the meantime, people in Lebanon are struggling to keep the lights on. Crisis are still surging.

To avoid a deeper crisis Lebanon’s political elites shall set aside their narrow interests and work toward a pragmatic compromise on President Aoun’s replacement.