BEIRUT — Lebanese President Michel Aoun has appointed top businessman Najib Mikati as the county’s prime minister-designate after the latter secured enough votes in parliamentary consultations on Monday.

Earlier in the day, Mikati, who does not belong to a political bloc or dynast, met the Lebanese president Baabda palace after receiving 72 votes out of a total of 118 members of parliament.

A total of 42 lawmakers abstained from naming any candidate, while one nominated Nawaf Salam, and 3 were absent.

The new PM-designate now faces major challenges to secure an agreement among diverse political groups on a Cabinet to address the country’s financial meltdown. — Agencies