General Joseph Aoun, the commander of Lebanon’s army, has been elected as the country’s 14th president, ending a presidential vacuum that has persisted for over two years. His election follows a prolonged political deadlock and comes after Lebanon’s parliament finally reached a consensus during its 13th session.

The presidency, reserved for a Maronite Christian under Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system, had been vacant since October 31, 2022, when former President Michel Aoun’s term ended. In the intervening period, Lebanon’s parliament failed to elect a successor during 12 sessions, leaving the country without a head of state as it grappled with political paralysis and escalating security challenges.

Tensions in Lebanon’s security landscape reached a peak in October 2023 when clashes between Hezbollah and Israel escalated into full-scale Israeli attacks and ground incursions along the southern border in September 2024. A ceasefire was brokered on November 28, paving the way for the long-delayed 13th parliamentary session held on January 9.

During Thursday’s session, all 128 parliamentarians convened to elect the president, requiring a two-thirds quorum for the vote. In the first round, Aoun received 71 votes, falling short of the 86-vote threshold. Meanwhile, 37 ballots were left blank, 2 votes were cast for legal expert Chebly Mallat, 14 votes had “Sovereignty and Constitution” written on, and 4 ballots were deemed invalid with entries such as “Yazid Bin Farhan” and “Joseph Amos Bin Farhan.”

Later, MTV reported that MPs Melhem Khalaf and Oussama Saad were the ones who cast the “Chebly Mallat” ballots. 

Speaker Nabih Berri then adjourned the session for two hours, citing the need for further consultations before proceeding to the second round of voting.

In the second round, Aoun obtained 99 votes, while 9 ballots were left blank, 2 votes were cast for legal expert Chebly Mallat, 13 votes had “Sovereignty and Constitution” written on, and 5 ballots were annulled.

Several foreign ambassadors stationed in Lebanon attended the session, including French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian and Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan.

Aoun’s path to the presidency required navigating constitutional hurdles. Lebanon’s constitution prohibits serving public officials from assuming the presidency during their tenure or within two years of stepping down. This restriction has been waived in the past, notably in 2008, when then-Army Commander Michel Suleiman was elected president. In Aoun’s case, parliament amended the rules to allow his candidacy, requiring him to secure a two-thirds majority even in the second round of voting.

Aoun’s election marks the fourth time a Lebanese army commander has ascended to the presidency, following the precedents set by Emile Lahoud, Michel Suleiman, and Michel Aoun.

His presidency begins at a critical juncture for Lebanon, which continues to grapple with the fallout of its financial crisis and seeks stability following the recent conflict with Israel.

Who Is the New President?

General Joseph Aoun, 60, has led the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017, guiding the military through one of Lebanon’s most challenging periods, including the financial collapse that began in 2019. During the crisis, he openly criticized the ruling class, warning in 2021 that the economic meltdown threatened the survival of all state institutions, including the army.

A career soldier, Aoun joined the Military Academy in 1983 and rose steadily through the ranks before becoming army commander. Married with two children, he holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a focus on international affairs and a university degree in military sciences.

Aoun’s leadership has been marked by key military accomplishments, such as a 2017 offensive that successfully cleared Islamic State militants from Lebanon’s border with Syria. His tenure has also secured continued U.S. financial and military support, reflecting Washington’s strategy to strengthen state institutions and curb Hezbollah’s influence.

He has completed specialized training programs both domestically and abroad, including an international counterterrorism course in the United States (2008–2009) and a workshop on intelligence and counterterrorism in Lebanon (2013).

Aoun’s distinguished service has earned him numerous honors, including the War Medal (three times), the Wounded Medal (twice), and the National Unity Medal.