Starting from Monday, Lebanon enters a new political phase with the launch of parliamentary consultations to name the next Prime Minister, following the recent election of former army commander Joseph Aoun as President.

Behind the scenes, a battle of names has begun for the new government, succeeding the current caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati.

The candidates include Ashraf Rifi, former Minister of Justice and a well-known political figure fiercely opposed to Hezbollah. Rifi announced two days ago that he is ready to take on the government, considering Mikati "part of the previous system that everyone rejects," as he put it.

Additionally, "Change" MP Ibrahim Mneimneh confirmed his readiness to take on the role. In a statement on Saturday evening, he outlined the key issues he would address if nominated by the MPs.

Opposition MPs have nominated MP Fouad Makhzoumi to form the government.

Mikati had previously refrained from announcing his candidacy again. However, MP Qassem Hashem (Development and Liberation Bloc, allied with Hezbollah) announced earlier on Sunday that he would nominate Mikati, indicating the Shiite duo's intention to nominate him as well.

Meanwhile, Nawaf Salam, the current President of the International Court of Justice, informed MPs on Saturday evening that he is ready to take on the role of Prime Minister if parliamentary blocs can secure his nomination, according to local media reports.

The parliament elected Aoun as President last Thursday with a majority of 99 votes out of 128, after a vacancy in the presidency that lasted for over two years and two months.

It is worth noting that parliamentary consultations are mandatory according to the constitution, and the President must name the designated Prime Minister based on these consultations.