January 9, 2025, marked a historic moment for Lebanon as the country elected its 14th president, ending a presidential vacancy that lasted over two years. General Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese Army commander, was elected in a tumultuous parliamentary session held at Beirut’s Nejmeh Square. Aoun secured 99 out of 128 votes in the second round of voting, with high-profile Arab and international figures, including the Vatican ambassador to Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, in attendance.
The election of Gen. Aoun came amidst sharp divisions among Lebanon’s Christian political blocs. While the largest Christian bloc, the "Strong Republic Bloc" affiliated with the Lebanese Forces Party, supported his candidacy along with the Kataeb Party and independents, the "Strong Lebanon Bloc," aligned with the Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah, objected on constitutional grounds. Critics highlighted Aoun's status as a Category One civil servant, arguing it required special approval for his candidacy.
The first round of voting failed to secure a two-thirds majority, prompting a recess for further deliberations. The second round, however, solidified Aoun’s victory, bringing an end to prolonged political paralysis in Lebanon.
Minutes after his election, Aoun addressed Parliament and took the constitutional oath. In his speech, he highlighted Lebanon’s resilience despite enduring wars, corruption, and mismanagement. Aoun called for a transformation in the country’s political conduct, emphasizing: “We are in a governance crisis that demands a change in our political behavior.” He pledged to begin a new chapter in Lebanon’s history, focusing on reforms and stability.
The Maronite Church, headquartered in Bkerke, played a significant role in advocating for an end to the presidential vacancy. Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi consistently urged Parliament to fulfill its constitutional duty, emphasizing the importance of electing a president capable of addressing Lebanon’s sovereignty and domestic challenges. While the Church did not endorse a specific candidate, it did not oppose Aoun’s candidacy, aligning with its broader goal of safeguarding the nation’s highest Christian post.
Aoun’s election was met with jubilation in his hometown of Aishieh in southern Lebanon’s Jezzine District. Residents gathered in the Church of Our Lady to watch the live parliamentary session, and the streets were adorned with celebratory banners and photos of the new president. For the Christian community in southern Lebanon, Aoun’s presidency is seen as a beacon of hope after decades of war and displacement.
Born in Aishieh in 1964, Aoun joined the Lebanese Army in 1983 and rose through the ranks to become army commander in 2017. He gained national recognition for his leadership during battles against terrorist groups in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, securing a significant military victory. His military achievements have earned him widespread respect, particularly among Lebanon’s Christian community, for whom the army symbolizes national unity and resilience.
As Lebanon’s new president, Gen. Joseph Aoun faces the daunting task of addressing the country’s economic and political crises. His leadership, deeply rooted in discipline and strategic action, has instilled hope in a nation seeking stability and reform. With his election, Lebanon embarks on a new chapter, striving to overcome divisions and restore confidence in its institutions.