With the end of President Michel Aoun's term and the absence of a new government to assume presidential powers, the country has entered a phase of vacancy, compounded by "confusion" surrounding the constitutional status of the government. This increases disorder and conflicting alignments, possibly opening a new chapter of political strife and tension, which could lead to security issues. Meanwhile, there are discussions about the possibility of convening a dialogue table, which President Nabih Berri intends to propose, potentially paving the way for agreements that may start with the election of a new president and extend to other issues. Currently, consultations are ongoing to find ways to motivate the convening of this table, bringing together all concerned political parties.
It is important to note the international pressure to fill the vacancy of the presidential seat, due to dramatic fears of deteriorating conditions and the subsequent risk of entering into creative chaos, which would not benefit those countries, particularly the American and French sides. Western diplomatic sources agree with this assessment, anticipating increased pressure on local forces to expedite the presidential election as soon as possible, perhaps even before the upcoming festive holidays.
In this context, diplomatic circles tell "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency that a series of international moves may establish serious steps to hasten the end of the vacancy. Various Arab and foreign delegations are expected to visit Lebanon—especially after the completion of border demarcation with Israel—which opens the door for the election of a new president. These circles predict a vacancy lasting a few months rather than years, unlike the situation between 2014 and 2016.
Furthermore, these circles emphasize that the selection of the Lebanese president is a domestic issue that concerns the Lebanese people. However, it is also an issue with an international dimension since the French are working seriously on this file with American approval. The focus now lies on waiting for key developments following the parliamentary elections in Israel and the midterm elections in the United States, as their outcomes will impact the entire region.
