LEBANON’S NEW PARLIAMENT WILL BE FRAGMENTED ONE
Lebanon’s 128-member parliament will feature fragmented blocs, including a smaller share of seats for Hezbollah and its allies, a more empowered pro-Saudi party and a surprise showing for reformminded first-time MPs.
Hezbollah (13 seats)
Founded in 1982 by Iran and deemed a terrorist group by several countries, Hezbollah is Lebanon’s most powerful group thanks to a massive arsenal. It scooped up one extra seat to reach 13 compared to 2018 though most of its allies lost.
Amal Movement
The Shiite Amal Movement is led by Nabih Berri, parliament speaker since 1992. Founded in 1974, Amal is close to both Syria and Hezbollah. It too held on to its seats though allies lost.
Hezbollah allies
These include the Maronite Christian Marada, the Baath and Armenian Tashnag, as well as individual non-Shiite parliamentarians aligned with Hezbollah. They suffered losses, but gained from Sa’ad Hariri’s exit.
Free Patriotic Movement
Founded by Maronite Christian President Michel Aoun, it has been the largest Christian party in parliament since 2005. It aligned with Hezbollah in 2006.
Lebanese Forces
Hezbollah’s biggest opponent, gained around five MPs. It is led by Maronite Christian politician Samir Geagea, who has never served in a government position.
Kataeb Party, allies
Also known as the Phalange Party, its MPs resigned in protest after the Beirut port blast in 2020. It won four seats and an ally in Beirut won a fifth.
Progressive Socialist Party
Led by Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, it has wavered on the issue of Hezbollah’s arms and is now focused on Iran’s undue influence. His party retained its seats.
Protest groups
Powered by the 2019 protests and the financial collapse, 13 opposition MPs won across regional and sectarian lines, campaigning on reforms, transparency and accountability. They include four women, and 12 are first-time lawmakers.
Independents, others
A smattering of parliamentarians who are not card-carrying party members also won and could vote alongside varying blocs.
Anti-Hezbollah Sunni representation took a hit following the withdrawal of Hariri and his Future Movement. The winners are splintered among ex-Future figures who struck out alone.