In this picture taken on December 16, 2024, Lebanese army chief Joseph Aoun (C) walks flanked by security guards towards the Grand Serail government headquarters in Beirut with Prime Minister Najib Mikati (top-R) seen behind him. Lebanese lawmakers are expected to finally elect a president on January 9 after more than two years of deadlock, in a much-needed step to help lift the war-battered country out of financial crisis, with Aoun, 60, widely seen as the frontrunner. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP)