Lebanon elects its first president in 3 years
By: Malik Shadid
On January 9th, Lebanon elected its first president in three years, ending a political deadlock that has contributed to the worst economic and social crisis the country has witnessed since its 15-year-long civil war that ended in 1990. The newly elected president, Mr. Joseph Aoun, a former army commander, faces a monumental challenge to secure funds from the international community to rebuild a nation suffering from near-total economic ruin, failing infrastructure, and unreliable public services. His election, along with the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaf Salam, spreads a sense of optimism, albeit a cautious one, that the country may finally be turning a page.
For years, Lebanon has been described as a failed state—the product of a sectarian power-sharing system established after the end of the civil war. The system has been at the heart of the country’s rampant corruption and political inefficiency, culminating in the 2019 economic collapse that wiped out savings and caused the Lebanese Lira to lose more than 90 percent of its value. Spontaneous protests (known as Al-Thawra) erupted in response, calling for accountability to end corruption and economic and political mismanagement. The protests eventually died down and Lebanon remained in limbo, a state barely standing where nothing truly functions.
The election of Mr. Aoun also points to a shift in Lebanon’s political power dynamic which has been dominated for the last two decades by Hezbollah, a political party with a strong military wing. Hezbollah has suffered insurmountable losses during its year-long war with Israel which ended in November. Israel assassinated its top leaders and destroyed its military arsenal, essentially stripping it of its political power over the small Mediterranean country. Hezbollah was opposed to Mr. Aoun’s presidency but the fact that he was elected demonstrates its diminished status. Christians and Sunnis are opposed to Hezbollah’s control over Lebanon and accuse the party of being an Iranian proxy, often acting to ensure the Persian state’s interests over that of Lebanon and its people.
Aoun walking out to a marching band in downtown Beirut after being elected.
Mr. Aoun was described as “viciously nonpartisan” by a former Pentagon official to emphasize his commitment to the Lebanese army rather than siding with political parties in their bickering. As a commander of the Lebanese armed forces, he is credited with maintaining stability and security as Lebanon plunged into political and economic chaos. Many Lebanese are now hoping that Mr. Aoun can apply that same neutrality as a president. He has pledged to fight corruption and reform the judiciary system, showing the potential of a major change era in the country.
The appointment of Mr. Salam, the new prime minister, a judge and former Ambassador to the UN, who is known for his integrity also strengthens the belief among many that Lebanon may be finally entering a new phase.
The country’s freedom from the militia is truthfully the start of a new era, in which Lebanon will hopefully see much less destruction than in years past. In a time of reconstruction, Mr. Aoun’s election helps the small country recover, as he can finally secure funding to rebuild the capital Beirut, and the eastern and southern parts of the country.
The election of Mr. Aoun and the appointment of Mr. Salam sparks hope in many Lebanese hearts. This could be a turning point for the country, with rebuilding, reform, and the stopping of violence and loss of life.
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