The Iranian-backed Shiite Hezbollah and its allies lost a majority in the Lebanese parliament. This is evident from the results of the elections held on Sunday. The defeat is seen as a major blow to the armed group.
Reformist candidates who want to fight corruption in the country managed to get at least 13 out of 128 seats. The Christian Lebanese Armed Forces party, which is linked to Saudi Arabia, won 20 seats.
Tensions between the Lebanese Forces and Hezbollah have increased recently. A number of people were injured in clashes between supporters of the two sides.
In previous elections, Hezbollah and its politicians won 71 seats. According to the Interior Ministry, they lost nine, which means they no longer have a majority. On Monday, Iran said it would respect the results. The Tehran regime denies interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs.
Still angry about the explosion in Beirut
There were reports of irregularities around polling stations. Several parties have already said they will contest the results. Participation around 40 percent was relatively low. Four years ago, half the population was still bothering to vote.
It is the first elections since 2018 in Lebanon, which is experiencing a major economic and financial crisis. There is also still anger over the massive explosion that wreaked havoc in the port of the capital, Beirut in August 2020. As a result, nearly 200 people were killed and thousands injured.
