Preliminary results show that the March 14 coalition (comprising Sunni Muslims, Druze and right-wing Christians) has won the elections in Lebanon. So far, March 14 has won (66) 68 seats, (down 2 seats from the 2005 election) in the 128-seat Chamber of Deputies and the March 8 Group (comprising Christians, some secularists and Shiite Muslims) has won (62) 57 with independents taking 3, a net gain for March 8/Opposition of 3 seats. There may be some shifts in these numbers as they are finalized but I'm reasonably confident of a government win. Election turnout was about 52%, higher than the 2005 turnout of around 46%.
For those of you who would like some background on the major players, please see my earlier diary: Quick and Dirty Guide to the Lebanese Elections for a round-up.
I also offer the disclaimer that some of what follows is my personal view and those of unnamed sources both inside and outside Lebanon who of course wish to remain anonymous. Additionally, I have been following the news on LBC, Orange TV and Future TV, Lebanese television stations that are aligned with both sides of the political divide.