List of Presidents of Lebanon

Lebanon

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Lebanon

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This page lists presidents of Lebanon. Though it is not specifically stated in the constitution, an unwritten understanding known as the National Pact (al-mithaq al-watani), agreed in 1943, has resulted in the holder of the post being a Maronite Christian in every electoral cycle since that time. Several of the presidents prior to 1943, while still Christian, came from other, non-Maronite sects. The president is elected by the Parliament of Lebanon for a six-year term. While he can be theoretically elected by a simple majority, in practice he is usually chosen by a consensus of the country's political factions. See also list of Prime Ministers of Lebanon, list of Speakers of the Parliament of Lebanon, lists of incumbents.

Before independence

• Charles Debbas: 1 September 1926 – 2 January 1934
• Antoine Privat-Aubouard (acting): 2 January – 30 January 1934
• Habib Pacha Es-Saad: 30 January 1934 – 20 January 1936
• Emile Edde: 20 January 1936 – 4 April 1941
• Pierre-Georges Arlabosse (acting): 4 – 9 April 1941
• Alfred Naqqache: 9 April 1941 – 18 March 1943
• Ayub Thabit (acting): 19 March – 21 July 1943
• Petro Trad: 22 July – 30 September 1943

After independence

• Bechara El Khoury: 21 September – 11 November 1943
• Emile Edde: 11 – 22 November 1943
• Bechara El Khoury: 22 November 1943 – 18 September 1952
• Fuad Chehab (acting): 18 – 22 September 1952
• Camille Chamoun: 23 September 1952 – 22 September 1958
• Fuad Chehab: 23 September 1958 – 22 September 1964
• Charles Helou: 23 September 1964 – 22 September 1970
• Suleiman Frangieh: 23 September 1970 – 22 September 1976
• Elias Sarkis: 23 September 1976 – 22 September 1982
  • Bachir Gemayel: 23 August 1982 – 14 September 1982 president elect, assassinated ten days before taking office
• Amine Gemayel: 23 September 1982 – 22 September 1988
• Michel Aoun (acting): 22 September – 13 October 1990
• René Moawad: 5 November – 22 November 1989
• Elias Hrawi: 24 November 1989 – 24 November 1998
• Émile Lahoud: 24 November 1998 – 23 November 2007