A Lebanese woman shows her ink-stained finger after casting her ballot at a polling station in Beirut's Christian sector of Ashrafieh, Lebanon, Sunday, June 7, 2009. Lebanese streamed to their hometowns on the Mediterranean coast and high up in the mountains Sunday to vote in crucial elections that could unseat a pro-Western government and install one dominated by the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)Lebanon's Pro-Western Majority Declares Victory -- AP
BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon's pro-Western coalition declared victory early Monday, as local television stations reported the faction had successfully fended off a serious challenge by the Shiite militant group Hezbollah and its allies to grab the majority in parliament.
Official results for Sunday's election were not expected until later Monday, but the winners were already celebrating by shooting in the air, setting off fireworks and driving around in honking motorcades.
The election was an early test of 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.
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More News On Lebanon's Elections
Pro-Western Bloc Defeats Hezbollah in Lebanon Vote -- New York Times
Lebanese ruling coalition claims poll victory -- BBC
Pro-Western bloc defeats Hezbollah in crucial poll -- Times Online
INSTANT VIEW: Hezbollah camp loses Lebanon election -- Reuters
Lebanon returns pro-Western coalition to power -- ABC News (Australia)
Lebanese election: Hizbollah fails to win majority as pro-Western coalition wins narrow margin -- the Telegraph
Pro-Western coalition claims victory in Lebanon's Parliamentary election. -- Voice of America
Losing side should be in next Lebanon govt-Jumblatt -- Reuters
Lebanon sees heavy election turnout in close race -- L.A. Times
52% turnout in Lebanon polls -- Press TV