Lebanese election results awaited

Updated 10.12 Mon Aug 06 2007

Keywords: Walid Eido, Pierre Gemayel, Lebanon

Both sides have claimed victory in Lebanese elections held to replace two assassinated MPs.

The tense poll became a showdown between the US-backed government and its opponents.

Official results are expected to be announced later with both sides claiming success

Tens of thousands of people voted amid tight security in two electoral districts - one in Beirut and the other in Lebanon's Metn region, a Christian stronghold where the community is deeply divided.

Voters were picking candidates to replace legislator and cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel, a Christian who was shot dead last November, and Walid Eido, a Sunni Muslim who was killed in a Beirut car bomb in June.

Mr Gemayel and Mr Eido were both vocal opponents of Syria and allies of the Prime Minister Fuad Saniora's government.

Although the vote was for just two seats, it could affect the political future of this deeply-divided nation by influencing who lawmakers might elect as president in the next few months.

Official results are expected to be announced later with both sides claiming success.