Billionaire, Allies Easily Ahead in Lebanon Races

BEIRUT — Billionaire businessman Rafik Hariri and his allies appeared to be handily defeating Lebanon’s prime minister and his backers in parliamentary elections Sunday, according to early unofficial returns, putting Hariri on course for a possible clash with the nation’s president.

Hariri, a former prime minister who tried to rebuild the country after its devastating civil war, hopes to again lead the government of Lebanon.

Candidates backed by Hariri made a strong showing in the first stage of voting a week ago and appeared to be doing well again in Sunday’s election, the final stage of voting. Residents of the former Israeli-occupied zone in the south voted for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Hariri supporters celebrated in Beirut late Sunday after television stations, citing partial, unofficial results, reported overwhelming victories for Hariri’s candidates over those of his chief rival, Prime Minister Salim Hoss.

If Hariri wins and goes on to seek the premiership, it could set up a clash with President Emile Lahoud, who vehemently opposes him.