Lebanese Parliament Calls for Presidential Session in January 2025

“We have given a month to reach consensus among us, and I will invite the ambassadors of foreign countries to attend,” Berri said at a press conference. Nov 28, 2024 Photo: @MirelyOlmo50674

November 28, 2024 Hour: 6:47 pm

Since the departure of former president Michel Aoun on October 31, 2022, the country has been without a formal head of state, which has hampered governance and left the government operating on an interim basis since the parliamentary elections in May 2022.

The president of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, announced today the convening of a legislative session for January 9, 2025, with the aim of electing the new president of the Republic. This decision seeks to end a long-standing power vacuum that has plagued the country for more than two years.

“We have given a month to reach consensus among us, and I will invite the ambassadors of foreign countries to attend,” Berri said at a press conference. The call comes in a context marked by political instability and social tensions that have characterized Lebanon in recent years.

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih #Berri has called for a session to elect a president on January 9, 2025.

The country has been running under a caretaker government with limited jurisdiction since October 29, 2022, when then-President Michel #Aoun signed the government's… pic.twitter.com/vv2t0o7Nus
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 28, 2024

At the first meeting of parliament after the ceasefire, deputies also approved the extension of the mandate of army commander Joseph Aoun after voting in favor of a bill extending the ranks of brigadier general and above for one year.

This decision reflects the growing importance of the military role in a fragile political context where national security is a primary concern.

Despite the many presidential sessions held since September 2022, none have succeeded in designating a successor for Aoun due to a lack of consensus, especially among various political factions and the Maronite Christian community, which has not yet received the necessary support within the legislative majority of 128 members.

Article 49 of the Lebanese Constitution states that the president must be elected in the first round by a two-thirds majority (86 votes), whereas in subsequent sessions only an absolute majority is required (half plus one), provided that a quorum is reached with at least 86 representatives present. However, political polarization and foreign interference have hampered this process.

The situation is further complicated by recent Israeli bombings and crimes in the country, which have left deep wounds in Lebanese society and exacerbated internal tensions.

With these adversities on the horizon, January 2025 presents itself as a crucial date for Lebanon’s political future, where efforts will be made to elect the 14th head of state since independence.

The international community will be watching developments at this presidential session, hoping that a consensus can be reached to restore political and social stability in Lebanon.