Lebanon vote deals apparent blow to Hezbollah

STORY: Iran-backed Hezbollah has been dealt a major blow in Lebanon's first parliamentary election since its devastating economic meltdown and the huge port explosion that shattered Beirut two years ago.

In a vote that reflected popular anger with ruling parties.

Preliminary results showed losses for some of Hezbollah's oldest allies and significant gains for its opponents, especially the Saudi-aligned Lebanese Forces movement.

Supporters of Hezbollah and its ally Amal still celebrated late on Sunday (May 15) in southern Lebanon. The two parties held on to the Shi'ite Muslim vote, winning all the seats reserved for their sect, according to early results.

But they appear to have lost their parliamentary majority, according to three sources allied to the Lebanese forces.

Votes are still being counted.

Results suggest a more fragmented parliament sharply polarized between allies and opponents of Hezbollah.

Along with deadlock, as factions hash out a power-sharing deal over top positions.

The result could open the door for Sunni Muslim-led Saudi Arabia to exercise greater sway in Lebanon, as Iran did after the last election in 2018.

The Christian Lebanese Forces is widely seen as Riyadh's main ally in Lebanon because of its hawkish stance on Hezbollah and calls for it to disarm.

It now looks likely to overtake its civil war enemy - the Hezbollah-allied Free Patriotic Movement - as the biggest Christian party in parliament.

Initial results also indicated wins for at least five independents who have campaigned for reform and for bringing to account politicians blamed for Lebanon's devastating economic crisis.