The election was contested by some local peasants who were supporters of another candidate, and Joseph El Khazen had to escape from Dimane to Zouk Mikael, where he took up his residence.

El Khazen had the support of France, managed to persuade the warring parties to lay down their arms to restore peace in Lebanon.

Joseph El Khazen initially had to face the adversities of the conflict, including the Ottoman military invasion and repression against the Maronites in North Lebanon.

[3] He, who was of a mild disposition,[4] tried to ease relations with Great Britain (which supported the Druzes) and the Ottomans, so obtaining some relief for his people.

[5] Joseph El Khazen died on November 3, 1854[6] in the winter Maronite Catholic Patriarchate in Dimane, Kadisha Valley, Lebanon.