Deadlock persists as Lebanon fails for 6th time to elect new president

By Wassim Seif El Din

BEIRUT (AA) – Lebanese lawmakers on Thursday failed for a sixth time to elect a new president as the country grapples with deepening political and economic crises.

Michel Moawad, a candidate backed by the Lebanese Forces party, received 43 votes, well short of the figure needed to win the first round.

Speaker Nabih Berri set the next voting session for Nov. 24.

A candidate needs two-thirds of the vote in the 128-member parliament to get through the first stage, while an absolute majority is needed in subsequent rounds.

Former President Michel Aoun left office on Oct. 31 after completing a six-year term, without lawmakers agreeing on a successor.

Since 2019, Lebanon has been facing a crippling economic crisis that, according to the World Bank, is one of the worst globally after the mid-19th century.

The country has already been without a fully functioning government since May, with Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his Cabinet having limited powers in their current caretaker status.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar