Nabih Berri Re-elected as Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Without Any Rival

Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, was re-elected on Wednesday, May 23, without any rival for another four years. He has held this position for 26 years since 1992. At 80 years old, he has served six consecutive terms in this role. During the voting on Wednesday, out of 128 representatives present in the parliament, he received 98 votes in favor, 29 blank votes, and one vote against. Nabih Berri is a Shia Muslim and is considered an ally of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri referred to Nabih Berri as a 'national symbol.' Michel Mour, the oldest member of parliament at 86 years old, described Berri as a factor in preventing division and maintaining unity in Lebanon. After the results were announced, Berri thanked all representatives and expressed gratitude for their confidence in him to serve in this position for six terms. His re-election comes as Lebanon is in the process of forming a new government. Reports suggest that the next government is likely to be a coalition, with several representatives from Hezbollah included. Nabih Berri is the head of the Amal Movement and an ally of Hezbollah. The parliamentary elections in Lebanon, which took place after nine years, ended a political deadlock over a new electoral law and the extension of the parliament's term. Hezbollah and its allies achieved significant success in these elections. Berri's re-election is expected to pave the way for the formation of a new government. Michel Aoun, the Christian President of Lebanon, now needs to negotiate with parties and introduce a proposed Prime Minister to form the government. It is likely that Saad Hariri, a Sunni Muslim whose party received more votes than others, will once again be tasked with forming the government. Following Berri's re-election as Speaker, gunfire was heard in southern Beirut as a sign of joy and satisfaction. Eli Frizli, a parliament member who supports Syria, was also re-elected as Deputy Speaker. Lebanon's political system is based on a division of powers among various groups. The President is chosen from among Christians, the Prime Minister from among Sunni Muslims, and the Speaker of the Parliament from among Shia Muslims. Parliamentary seats and government positions are also evenly distributed between Muslims and Christians.