BEIRUT: The vacuum in the presidency has undermined Lebanon’s ability to address the growing security, economic and social challenges facing the country, U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag said Sunday.

“It [the presidential vacuum] has contributed to political polarization at a time when Lebanon must make a united effort to safeguard the country from the impact of the Syrian crisis,” Kaag said in a statement to mark the one-year vacuum in the post of the president.

Kaag urged Lebanon’s leaders to adhere to Lebanon’s Constitution, and to the Taif Accord and National Pact, to put national interests above partisan politics for the sake of Lebanon’s stability, and “to show the flexibility and sense of urgency needed to resolve this issue.”

“The unified international support shown for Lebanon should be accompanied by meaningful action by Lebanon’s leaders, she said.

Kaag, who described the presidential election as a Lebanese process, called on lawmakers to fulfill their constitutional duties, to uphold the country’s democratic tradition and convene to elect a president without further delay. Kaag also hailed the steadfastness and leadership skills of Prime Minister Tammam Salam in light of the difficult political circumstances.

“I would like to commend Prime Minister Salam who has succeeded in upholding a unified government despite enormous pressures and who has shown remarkable leadership in the face of increasingly difficult circumstances,” Kaag said.