Hizbullah defeated in Lebanon polls
Western-backed Sunni Muslim coalition claims victory in Lebanese elections
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Monday, 08, Jun 2009 12:45
The Hizbullah-dominated coalition in Lebanon has suffered a surprise defeat in the country's parliamentary elections.
Hours after polls closed last night, the Sunni Muslim March 14 coalition led by Saad al-Hariri claimed victory.
And on Monday morning, the country's interior minister Ziad Baroud announced that March 14 had won 71 seats, while the Hizbullah-led March 8 took 57.
Mr al-Hariri, the son of former prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri who was assassinated in 2005, delivered a victory speech last night where he hailed Lebanon as the "biggest winner".
"What happened today proved again that Lebanon is doing well," he said.
"The Lebanese proved again that they are holding on to their freedom and the democratic system, so congratulations to Lebanon, congratulations to freedom and to every voter who participated in this election."
Turnout was high in Lebanon and there were no reports of violence, with thousands of troops on the streets throughout the polls.