Lebanese Interior Minister Marwan Charbel hailed on Monday the parliamentary by-election in Koura, north Lebanon, commending the calm atmosphere and the orderly manner that prevailed during the weekend vote

Lebanese Interior Minister Marwan Charbel hailed on Monday the parliamentary by-election in Koura, north Lebanon, commending the calm atmosphere and the orderly manner that prevailed during the weekend vote.

“The By-election was a victory for democracy embodied by Koura’s residents and the political forces of various affiliations,” Charbel told a news conference as he announced the official by-election results.

Lebanese Forces candidate Fadi Karam won with 12,412 votes while Syrian Social National Party’s Walid al-Azar received 11,141 votes, Charbel announced.

“The ministry informed Speaker Nabih Berri about Karam’s victory during the polls, Charbel said.

The Interior minister described the elections as a “day of pride” and a “victory for democracy.” He also hoped that the 2013 parliamentary polls would be held in the same manner, particularly in terms of security.

“We haven’t received an official complaint about vote-buying and bribes,” he said.