Beirut - Lebanese voters dealt a blow to government-backed candidates in a first round of parliamentary elections, early counts showed yesterday.
The Druze leader, Mr Walid Jumblatt; Mr Pierre Gemayel, son of former president Amin Gemayel; and Mr Nassib Lahoud, a dissident cousin of President Emile Lahoud, were among opposition victors.
Notable casualties included pro-Syrian figures such as a former Christian warlord, Mr Elie Hobeika; the former foreign minister, Mr Fares Bouez; and Mr Zahir al-Khatib, a deputy in the outgoing assembly.
