Hezbollah gains power in Lebanon's 1st election since 10 years

(MENAFN) Lebanon's Hezbollah paramilitary movement emerged as the main victor in the country's first election in almost a decade, securing veto power in the Lebanese Parliament as the prime minister's fortunes fell.

Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk said resistance movement Hezbollah and its parliamentary allies won more than a third of the 128 seats, which would leave them as a dominant force in the Lebanese legislature.

In a press conference, the minister read a name list of winners, adding that "the final official results are ready, except those related to the Akkar district."

According to the results, the al-Mustaqbal Movement of Prime Minister Saad Hariri won 18 seats, while the Amal Movement, led by Speaker Nabih Berri, secured 16 seats, and Hezbollah 13 seats.

Lebanon's first parliamentary vote in nine years was held on Sunday, with over 500 candidates vying for seats. Turnout was 49.2 percent, according to officials.

MENAFN0805201800450000ID1096825852