Lebanon's Aoun Elected President
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Lebanese parliament elected former army commander Michel Aoun as president on Monday.
Aoun, who is in his 80s, secured the presidency by winning the support of 83 MPs, well above the absolute majority of 65 needed to win, according to a tally of votes read out in a televised broadcast from parliament, Reuters reported.
Fireworks echoed across Beirut as the tally showed Aoun the winner. Aoun, an MP, was shown smiling in his seat.
The Lebanese presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian in the country's sectarian power-sharing system.
Aoun is due to meet MPs later this week on their preferences for prime minister.
