White smoke emerged from the Lebanese Parliament on Thursday as General Joseph Aoun, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, was elected as Lebanon's 14th President. His election marks the end of a presidential vacancy that lasted for more than two years, reports Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA).

Aoun secured 99 votes in the parliamentary session, while 9 MPs cast blank ballots.

 A total of 5 ballots were declared invalid.

Newly elected Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, on Thursday entered the main chamber of Parliament, greeted Speaker Nabih Berri with a handshake, and took the constitutional oath as Lebanon's 14th President.

Following the oath, Aoun delivered his inaugural address, outlining his vision for Lebanon's future. His speech was met with resounding applause from the gathered MPs and officials.