Though Lebanon’s presidency is mostly symbolic, it has a few important powers, like approving prime ministers and cabinets. In a country still haunted by the memory of civil war, symbolism is important too: how the head of state is chosen says much about the balance of power in Lebanon’s factious politics.

Joseph Aoun, head of Lebanon ’s army, on Thursday was elected as the country’s 14th president of the republic. The 60-year-old commander takes over the position that has been vacant for over two years due to political deadlock.

Lebanese army commander elected president weeks after a tenuous cease-fire agreement halted a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.