Looks like another Obama foreign policy victory
clearly his speeches across the Arab & Muslim world are having an impact.
Pro-west coalition claims victory over HezbollahLebanese-Canadians celebrate voting results after massive turnoutJune 08, 2009
Michael SlackmanNew York Times
A flag-waving supporter of Christian politician Samir Geagea celebrates
after his "March 14" coalition won in Lebanon's election June 7, 2009.
Photo credit: Steve crisp / ReutersBEIRUT – Lebanon's pro-Western coalition declared victory early today, in a hotly contested election that had been billed as a showdown between Tehran and Washington for influence in the Middle East.
Preliminary results, reported on Lebanese television, showed the alliance, known as the March 14 coalition, had managed to preserve its majority in parliament – representing a significant and unexpected defeat for Hezbollah and its allies, Iran and Syria.
Lebanese-Canadians rejoiced last night as the results trickled in throughout the evening.
"The achievement is this went peacefully," Elias Bejjani of the Lebanese-Canadian Coordinating Council told the Star, adding that as many as 400 Canadians may have travelled to Lebanon to vote in the tight race.
The coalition victory appeared to have been aided by nearly unprecedented turnout. Preliminary results showed about 55 per cent of the 3.26 million registered voters cast ballots. Lebanese television reported that the March 14 coalition, a predominantly Sunni, Christian and Druze alliance, held at least 67 seats out of 128 in parliament.
Though the Hezbollah-led challengers appeared to lose, Hezbollah itself – a Shiite political, social and military organization that is officially regarded by the United States and Israel as a terrorist group – will continue to be one of Lebanon's most powerful political forces. The biggest disappointment might well have been the election of retired Gen. Michel Aoun, who appeared to preserve his bloc of seats but left the Christian constituency divided.
The election was an early test of U.S. President Barack Obama's efforts to forge Middle East peace. A win by Hezbollah would have boosted the influence of its backers Iran and Syria and risked pushing one of the region's most volatile nations into international isolation and possibly into more conflict with Israel.Former American president Jimmy Carter, in Beirut to monitor the elections, expressed hope that the United States, Iran and other countries will recognize the results "and not try to interfere in the process."
The interest in the contest was so high that, throughout Lebanon during the day, people waited up to four hours to vote with many, including the elderly and the infirm, standing in the sun and in packed hallways.
"There is the fate of the country this time," said Mireille Fiani, 45, as she stood crushed up against a crowd inside a school to cast her vote.
The voting was largely peaceful, with complaints of long waits at polling stations from voters, many of whom had to travel across the country to cast their ballots.
Army troops in armoured personnel carriers and trucks took up positions on major highways, part of a 50,000-strong security force deployed for voting day. Even before the race began, it was marred by charges of unprecedented vote buying.
The majority party in parliament gets to build the next government, and set the direction of national policy.
Even with the majority expanding its base by a few seats, there will likely still be the need, analysts said, to bring the opposition into a national unity government.
Lebanon remains a polarized nation that needs stability if for no other reason than to deal with its foreign debt of $50 billion (U.S.).
Official results from the election were not expected until later today, but late yesterday the winners were already celebrating by shooting in the air, setting off fireworks and driving around in honking motorcades.
"I present this victory to Lebanon," Prime Minister Fuad Saniora said on television after stations projected his pro-Western coalition was winning. "It is an exceptional day for democracy in Lebanon."
The leader of the largest bloc in the pro-Western March 14 coalition, Saad Hariri, said early today in a televised speech that he extends his hand to the losing side "to work together and seriously for the sake of Lebanon."
He urged supporters to celebrate without provoking opponents.
The outcome was also welcome news for Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which back Hariri's March 14 alliance – the date of a 2005 rally against Syria's military presence in Lebanon.
Bejjani, of the Lebanese-Canadian Coordinating Council, told the Star's Jasmeet Sidhu, the results were crucial for all Lebanese.
"Especially for the Lebanese who came to Canada, they are still very much attached to their country. We were glued to the news," he said.
Charbel Barakat, a 55-year-old Mississauga resident, agrees.
"I'm relieved at the results. The Lebanese proved again that they are not pro-terrorist, but pro-democracy," said the former Lebanese army officer.
"For the 12 million Lebanese living outside of Lebanon, it's important to know the fate of Lebanon and the future of Lebanon. We may have a different citizenship now, but we want Lebanon to stay a free and sovereign country," Barakat said. "We are very happy with the result."
With files from Associated Press
