Salim Al-Huss (acting) Independent René Moawad Independent Member State of the Arab League Lebanon portal An indirect presidential election was held in the Parliament of Lebanon on 5 November 1989, resulting in Deputy René Moawad being elected President of the Lebanese Republic.

[1] René Moawad, a deputy representing Zgharta in North Lebanon, was a politician known for his moderate views, and was endorsed by Syria with the promise of signing into law the Taif Accord (constitutional changes to end the Civil War, and give Muslims a greater say in the government than before).

[2] The deputies met at the Qoleiat air base (now known as René Moawad Air Base) in North Lebanon - far from the capital Beirut where fighting was still taking place - as the unrecognized Prime Minister (and acting president) Michel Aoun was residing in the Baabda Presidential Palace and refused to recognize or allow the election to take place.

[3] General Aoun refused to accept the results of the election and continued governing as the unrecognized Prime Minister.

The Parliament convened a few days later to elect Elias Hrawi as his successor, who then signed the Taif Accord and oversaw the end of the Lebanese Civil War.