A beginner’s guide to Lebanon’s presidential election

The window is open. As evident from the increased political posturing and daily media coverage, the race to replace President Michel Sleiman has begun. In just under two months, Lebanon will – barring exceptional circumstances – see a new face swear the presidential oath, assume the presidential duties, and occupy the Presidential Palace at Baabda. Conscious of the intricacies of the Lebanese political system – not to mention the frequent occurrence of “exceptional circumstances” – Executive has put together a primer to help readers understand the procedures and horse-trading that are likely to take place in the coming months. Neither predictive nor proscriptive, this guide offers four simple steps to getting to grips with the presidency. Click on the sections below to start exploring.   1. Know thy constitution 2. Know thy politics 3. Know thy candidates 4. Know thy limits The founding charter of the state, the 1926 Constitution