Lebanon’s parliament has failed to elect a president for the 12th time in a row, breaking the political deadlock that has gripped the country for months.

Lawmakers held a meeting on Wednesday to choose a replacement for former President Michel Aoun, whose term expired last October, but a president could not be elected due to strong disagreements.

The main contest was between former finance minister and senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official Jihad Azour and Marda party leader Suleiman Ferangia, whose family has a long history in Lebanese politics.

Lebanon’s parliament needs 86, or two-thirds, of a possible maximum of 128 lawmakers to elect a new leader in the first round of voting.

Azor, who is backed by opponents of Iran-backed Hezbollah, won the first round with 59 votes to Ferangia’s 51, but fell short of the required majority.

Eighteen lawmakers cast blank ballots or cast protest votes or voted for minority candidates.

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