Lebanon's Parliament Fails to Elect Head of State for 12th Time

The members of Lebanon's unicameral parliament were unable to elect a president today, June 14, marking the 12th attempt to fill the position. According to the TASS news agency, presidential elections were held in the parliament today.

Two candidates were in the running for the country’s highest office: Jihad Azour, who served as Minister of Finance from 2005 to 2008, and Suleiman Tohme Frangieh, the leader of the 'Al-Murada' Christian party and former Minister of Interior.

This marks the 12th attempt by lawmakers to elect a head of state since September 2022. The presidency has remained vacant since October 31, when General Michel Aoun left the Baabda presidential palace following the end of his six-year term. The last parliamentary vote took place on January 19, but there was again no winner.