Lebanese parliamentary elections widen rift

Mariam Saleh
Press TV, Beirut

The final results of Lebanon’s parliamentary elections are out with Hezbollah and its allies securing at least half of the seats in the legislative body.

The minister of interior stressed that the election process was complex and difficult, but free and fair.

Despite the political silence during the declaration of the results, analysts believe commotion is yet to come.

New comers to the parliament include members of civil society which are reportedly sponsored by the US. The Lebanese Forces and its allies also secured a relatively large bloc and could step up their anti-resistance rhetoric.

The new parliament is set to meet within 15 days to elect its executive council and a speaker of the parliament.

In the aftermath of the Lebanese Parliamentary elections, many fear that the polarization reflected in the campaigns preceding the elections could be manifested in the parliament, leading to a political paralysis.

Will the foes succeed in putting aside controversial issues and work together towards financial recovery, or are there foreign interests which require that a war of attrition against the resistance continues.

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