Lebanon’s outgoing President Emile Lahoud asked the army to take control of the country’s security on Friday, after rival leaders failed to agree on his successor, creating a vacuum in the presidency from midnight.

Lebanon’s parliament failed on Friday to grasp its last chance to elect a head of state before pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud leaves office at midnight, creating a vacuum that many fear could lead to violence.

Fear of violence looms over Lebanon after parliament failed to elect a new head of state on Friday, but analysts say blood will not flow just yet since rival political groups have too much to lose.