Lebanese vote in tense elections

Lebanese voters have flocked to the polling booths in an election billed as the latest showdown between the Western-backed government and its opponents.

The by-election is to find replacements for two murdered MPs Pierre Gemayel and Walid Eido.

A nine-month-old political struggle has already caused the worst civil strife since the 1975-1990 war, and some feared a fresh outbreak of violence during voting.

As yet no incidents have been reported at polling stations in the Christian heartland.

Thousands of Lebanese troops and police tightened security in the area, where flags and posters of the rival parties adorned balconies, electricity poles and cars.

Former president Amin Gemayel, father of Pierre and leader of the Phalange Party, and a candidate from the Free Patriotic Movement of opposition leader Michel Aoun are contesting the Maronite seat in the Metn district northeast of Beirut.

Mr Gemayel is a key player in the anti-Syrian majority coalition, which is supported by the United States, France and Saudi Arabia. Mr Aoun is the main Christian leader in the opposition, which includes Hezbollah, an ally of Syria and Iran.

By contrast, the by-election for a Sunni Muslim seat in a Beirut district to chose a successor to Walid Eido, who was assassinated in a car bomb attack in June, was a low-key affair.

A candidate from the main Sunni Future group of Saad al-Hariri looked set to secure the seat after the opposition failed to launch a strong challenge due to the wide support Mr Hariri enjoyed in that district.

In reference to mass street protests that forced Syria to end its 29-year military presence back in 2005, Mr Gemayel said: "This battle is to complete (Lebanon's) sovereignty, confirm Cedar Revolution and accomplish the goals of the independence uprising."

Camille Khoury, Gemayel's opponent said: "Our main goal is participation (in government). We extend our arm to all the Lebanese to rebuild Lebanon and to salvage it from this big crisis."

Mr Gemayel and his allies accuse Syria of orchestrating the killing of Pierre Gemayel, Mr Eido and other anti-Syrian figures. Damascus denies involvement in the killings.

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