Hizbullah and its Shiite allies late Sunday claimed victory in southern Lebanon's second stage of national elections. Hundreds of Hizbullah supporters drove through the streets of Beirut waving its yellow flag in celebration.
Four hours after polling stations closed, Hizbullah and its ally the Shiite Amal movement claimed they had won all 23 seats in the region bordering Israel.
"It has become clear that all members of the Resistance, Liberation and Development Ticket have won in (southern Lebanon's) two regions," said Sheikh Naim Kassem, Hizbullah's deputy leader. The results in south Lebanon were considered by Hizbullah as a clear rejection of international pressure to disarm Hizbullah in line with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559. "The south has declared through this vote its clear stance in supporting this track," Kassem added.
Media projections showed a 45% turnout on the polls in the south.
