Lebanon has entered its third year without a president — the head of the constitutional powers and the symbol of the country’s sovereignty.
The inability of the political powers and the House of Representatives to agree and elect on a president reflects the deep crisis Lebanon has been suffering from since the start of the Syrian uprising more than five years ago. The president may not be the actual executive officer of the country — as per the post-civil war constitutional amendments, as most of the presidential authorities were transferred to the Cabinet. However, the president remains the head of the state and guardian of the constitution. The president also appoints the prime minister and approves the Cabinet’s formation. Laws don’t take effect without the presidential consent and signature. All of these authorities rest now with the prime minister, in keeping with political norms.
A key reason for the delay in electing a president is Hezbollah’s full-fledged participation in the Syrian civil war. The militant group fears that a president will stand up to its involvement in that war, which has cost Lebanon dearly — politically, economically and socially. This participation has put Lebanon squarely in Iran’s corner and led to the deterioration of the country’s relationship with many Arab countries. Gulf states have banned their citizens from travelling to Lebanon, costing the country billions of dollars in tourism revenue losses.
It is doubtful that Lebanon can elect a president without a firm stand by its people to deny Hezbollah and its allies the political monopoly they have had for long. Hezbollah’s influence must be checked for Lebanon to be able to function as a normal country.
