The UN Security Council is urging that Lebanon hold its presidential election "as soon as possible."
A statement issued yesterday by the council expresses disappointment that the election didn't take place on time, and it calls on Parliament to "uphold Lebanon's longstanding democratic tradition" and make sure the election occurs "without external interference."
Lebanon's last president, Michel Suleiman, completed his six-year term on Sunday without a replacement, plunging the country into a political vacuum.
The Lebanese are deeply split over the civil war in neighboring Syria and have lined up behind opposing sides. Those deep divisions are one reason for the lack of agreement on a presidential candidate, whom must be decided on consensually.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged Lebanon's leaders to select a president "without delay.
