General Aoun Elected Lebanese President

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Jan 10, 2025

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General Michel Aoun Elected Lebanese President: Ending a Prolonged Political Vacuum

Lebanon's protracted political deadlock finally came to an end on October 31, 2016, with the election of General Michel Aoun as President. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of a two-year period without a head of state, a crisis that significantly hampered the country's stability and progress. Aoun's election, however, wasn't simply a resolution to a vacant position; it represented a complex shift in Lebanon's delicate political landscape.

The Road to Presidency: A Two-Year Struggle

The presidential election in Lebanon requires a two-thirds majority in the first round of voting, a threshold notoriously difficult to achieve given the country's diverse and often conflicting political factions. The failure to elect a president for two years resulted in a significant power vacuum, hindering the government's ability to function effectively. Key appointments were delayed, crucial legislation stalled, and the country's overall governance suffered. This period was characterized by intense political maneuvering, with various factions vying for power and influence.

Key Players and their Interests

Several significant political figures and groups played crucial roles in the drawn-out presidential election process. These included:

• Hezbollah: The powerful Shia political party, Hezbollah, played a pivotal role in supporting Aoun's candidacy. Their backing, coupled with their considerable influence within the Lebanese political system, significantly contributed to his eventual victory.

• The Free Patriotic Movement (FPM): Aoun's own political party, the FPM, mobilized significant support for his candidacy, leveraging its established network and influence.

• The Future Movement (headed by Saad Hariri): While initially hesitant, the Future Movement, led by Sunni politician Saad Hariri, eventually agreed to support Aoun's candidacy as part of a broader political compromise. This compromise was instrumental in securing the necessary votes for Aoun's election.

• Other Political Factions: Numerous other political parties and factions, representing Lebanon's diverse sectarian makeup, engaged in intense negotiations and strategic alliances throughout the process, shaping the eventual outcome.

The Significance of Aoun's Election

Aoun's victory marked a significant turning point in Lebanese politics. His election ended the prolonged political vacuum, allowing the government to resume its functions and address critical issues facing the nation. Furthermore, his presidency represented a shift in the balance of power, with implications for Lebanon's domestic and foreign policy.

Domestic Implications:

• Restoration of Governance: The primary impact of Aoun's election was the restoration of a functioning presidency, enabling the government to address long-delayed legislative matters and national challenges.

• Political Stability (or the lack thereof): While Aoun's election brought an end to the immediate crisis, the underlying political tensions and sectarian divisions within Lebanon remained. The stability brought by his election proved to be relatively short-lived.

Foreign Policy Implications:

• Relationship with Regional Powers: Aoun's election had implications for Lebanon's relationships with regional powers, particularly given Hezbollah's support for his candidacy and its close ties to Iran.

• International Relations: His presidency also influenced Lebanon's relations with other countries, including its Western allies and neighboring states.

Aoun's Presidency: A Legacy of Complexity

General Michel Aoun's presidency, while initially hailed as a resolution to the political crisis, ultimately proved to be a complex and multifaceted period in Lebanese history, marked by both progress and significant challenges. His tenure was characterized by a number of notable events and policies, contributing to a legacy that continues to be debated and analyzed. The long-term effects of his leadership on Lebanon's political landscape remain a topic of ongoing discussion. The election of Michel Aoun as President, therefore, stands as a pivotal moment in Lebanon's modern history, highlighting the country's persistent political complexities and the enduring challenges of forging national unity.