Suleiman Frangieh Withdraws from Lebanese Presidential Race, Backing Joseph Aoun’s Candidacy

In a significant political development, Suleiman Frangieh, the leader of Lebanon’s Marada Movement, announced on Wednesday that he was withdrawing from the presidential race. This move comes ahead of the scheduled parliamentary session on Thursday morning, which is aimed at electing a new president.

The session holds the potential to resolve the ongoing presidential vacancy, which has lasted for more than two years. Frangieh, in his statement, expressed that his withdrawal would not hinder the election process and confirmed his support for Army Commander Joseph Aoun as the candidate best suited to lead the country.

Frangieh’s announcement is seen as a boost to General Joseph Aoun’s candidacy, as it clears the path for Aoun to secure the presidency. The Marada Movement, which holds four seats in Lebanon’s 120-member parliament, had been one of the key players in the political gridlock over the presidential election.

With Frangieh stepping aside, Aoun emerges as the clear frontrunner, with opposition lawmakers also rallying behind his candidacy. This shift in support was formally announced after a meeting at the headquarters of the Lebanese Forces Party in Maarab, where independent lawmaker Fouad Makhzoumi read the statement declaring the opposition’s backing for Aoun.

However, Aoun’s path to the presidency remains complicated. In order to secure the presidency, he must receive 86 votes in parliament, a number that aligns with the threshold required for constitutional amendments. This presents a significant challenge, as Lebanon’s political landscape remains deeply divided, with many major parliamentary blocs yet to announce their final stance.

The country has been without a president since President Michel Aoun’s term ended on October 31, 2022, with parliament failing to elect a successor in 12 previous sessions. The ongoing political deadlock has been further compounded by security concerns, including escalating conflicts with Israel that have intensified over the past year. Despite Frangieh’s withdrawal and the positive signals from some political factions, there are still widespread doubts about whether Lebanon’s parliament will be able to overcome its history of indecision and successfully elect a new president.