Lebanon elects Aoun president, ending 2-year vacuum
AFP
AFP, BEIRUT: Lebanons parliament on Monday elected former general Michel Aoun president, ending a vacuum and political stalemate of more than two years.
Live footage from the vote count in the countrys parliament showed that Aoun had received more than the 50 percent-plus-one majority of 65 votes needed for him to be elected president.
Supporters of Michel Aoun gathered in the Lebanese capital ahead of a parliament session expected to elect him president and end a political stalemate of more than two years.
Lawmakers convene at noon (1000 GMT) for their 46th attempt to elect a president but the first expected to actually produce a result.
Security was tight around the parliament and Beiruts Martyrs Square, where supporters of Aouns Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), dressed in their trademark orange, have been gathering for days.
The 81-year-old former general has long eyed the presidency, and his candidacy was backed by the powerful Shiite Hezbollah movement, his ally since a surprise rapprochement in 2006.
But the key to clinching the post has been the shock support of two of his greatest rivals: Samir Geagea, leader of the Christian Lebanese Forces, and Sunni former premier Saad Hariri.
Hariri described his endorsement of Aoun as necessary to protect Lebanon, protect the (political) system, protect the state and protect the Lebanese people.
The streets of the capital were emptier than usual ahead of the vote, with most schools and universities closed.
But Aouns supporters were eager to celebrate the leader who is being hailed in banners strung up around the country as the strong president who can work miracles.
Were counting the minutes until General Aoun is elected, weve waited a long time, said Jean, a 35-year-old hairdresser in the Dekwaneh neighbourhood outside Beirut.
