Lebanon moves to elect president after two-year vacancy
Oladipupo Olamiposi@olamiposioladipupo247606
8 days ago
Lebanese lawmakers will today finally elect a president after more than two years of deadlock, in a much-needed step to help lift the country out of financial crisis.
The war-battered country has been without a president since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022 as many previous attempts to elect a president all failed amid deadlock in parliament between pro-and anti-Hezbollah blocs.
International pressure has surged ahead of the session, including from French envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, who has been invited to attend the vote.
US envoy, Amos Hochstein, who was in Beirut earlier this week, has urged the country’s lawmakers to make the election a success.
In the meantime, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, has said he is optimistic.
