Lebanon’s army commander, Michel Suleiman, the consensus candidate for the country’s vacant presidency, on Thursday announced he would leave his military post three months early. General Suleiman voiced anger over the continued political bickering that was blocking his appointment to the presidency.

His departure may leave a vacuum at the top of the army, which is seen by many Lebanese as the only institution holding the country together and guaranteeing stability at a time of mounting political and sectarian tensions.