Lebanon’s parliament will meet on January 9 to elect a president

BEIRUT: Lebanon’s parliament will meet on January 9 to elect a new president, seeking to end more than two years without a head of state, official media reported on Thursday, a day after the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire began.
“Speaker Nabih Berri convened a session of parliament to elect the president of the republic on January 9,” the official National News Agency reported.
Lebanon has been without a president since then Michelle on’s term expired in October 2022, with the two main factions – Iran-backed Hezbollah and its opponents – lacking the necessary majority to elect one, and unable to reach a consensus.
Lebanese Prime Minister after a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on Wednesday Najib Mikati Said: “I hope this will be a new page for Lebanon, I hope the coming days will lead to presidential elections.”
Barry, who led ceasefire talks on behalf of ally Hezbollah, also called on the country on Wednesday to “quickly elect a president”.
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said in a speech earlier this month that after the war, Hezbollah would “make an effective contribution to the presidential election”.
By convention, the presidency goes to a Maronite Christian, the premiership is reserved for a Sunni Muslim and the post of Speaker of Parliament goes to a Shia Muslim.