BEIRUT – The end of 2022 is one of paralysis and dysfunction in Beirut, as Lebanon’s parliament fails for the tenth time to elect a new president, even as the head of the Lebanese army Joseph Aoun emerges as potential contender. 

By the end of former President Michel Aoun's term last October, fears mounted of a political void which has since only amplified people's daily struggles and the financial crisis that has brought the country to its knees since 2019. 

At the parliament's last session two weeks ago, the chamber with its 128 members failed for the tenth time to vote for a new president and no date has set for the next meeting. There is currently no consensus among the parliamentarians around any of the candidates, but few leading names have emerged for the opposing political blocs.  The Lebanese constitution requires majority of two-thirds of the members of the Parliament (85) is required to elect the president in the first round. In the second round, a President can be elected by a simple majority of 65 deputies. 

During the last session, Suleiman Franjieh, the leader of the Marada Movement - an ally of Hezbollah and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, got 1 vote but this was the first time his name makes it to the ballot. Prime Minister Najib Mikati has publicly endorsed Franjieh.  His nemesis Michel Moawad, an anti-Hezbollah figure, took 43 votes but is seen as unacceptable by Lebanese juggernaut armed group.