Western bloc inflicted a surprise defeat on Hezbollah and its allies at the ballot box in Lebanon, according to final results on Monday, but the winner faces a battle to keep the nation together. The coalition called “March 14” headed by Saad Hariri, son of slain ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, widened its majority in the 128-seat parliament to 71 seats, against 57 for Hezbollah and its Shiite and Christian allies, Interior Minister Ziad Baroud said. “This is a big day in the history of democratic Lebanon,” a triumphant Hariri, now being tipped by some as a possible premier, told his supporters after Sunday's vote. “I present this victory to Lebanon,” Prime Minister Fuad Saniora said on television after stations projected his coalition was winning. “It is an exceptional day for democracy in Lebanon,” he added. The Saudi Council of Ministers congratulated Lebanon for what it called the success of its elections. “The Cabinet congratulated the Lebanese for the success of their legislative elections” and encouraged the winners to work for “the security, stability and prosperity of Lebanon,” the SPA news agency said. It also expressed appreciation for “the contending parties' support for maintaining calm, keeping Lebanon unified and accepting the will of the people.” The winners celebrated in the streets, setting off fireworks and driving around in motorcades honking hours before the official results from Sunday's parliamentary vote were even announced. “This vote, marked by a high level of participation, illustrates the vitality of Lebanese democracy,” the French Foreign Ministry said. It expressed confidence that President Michel Suleiman would ensure swift formation of a new government that “takes the country on the path of reforms.” But analysts and newspapers are questioning whether the rival factions will be able to form a unity government and ensure Lebanon is not plunged into a renewed cycle of political instability and sectarian violence. “Lebanon has entered a new phase today,” said Paul Salem, head of the Beirut-based Middle East Carnegie Center. “The question is, once the government is formed what kind of challenge will it face?” The outcome is being closely watched by Lebanon's neighbors and the international community, with the country already scarred by years of war, sectarian strife and damaging political crises. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, whose Amal party is allied with Hezbollah, said he “fully accepted” the result.
