The pro-Syrian militant group Hezbollah has claimed victory in the second stage of elections in Lebanon. The southern part of the country is Hezbollah's stronghold where Shiite Muslims make up the majority of the population.

Celebrations took place in Beirut and in its southern suburbs where victorious Hezbollah supporters flew the yellow flag of the group and victory fireworks lit up the night sky.

Just four hours after the polls closed, Hezbollah and its ally, the Shiite Muslim Amal movement, claimed they had won all 23 seats in the region that were on the ballot on Sunday. Official results will not be known until midday Monday but Hezbollah looks to have dominated the vote.

'It has become clear that all members of the Resistance, Liberation and Development Ticket have won in [southern Lebanon's] two regions,' said Sheik Naim Kassem, Hezbollah's deputy leader. 'The south has declared through this vote its clear stance in supporting this track.'

Syria had occupied Lebanon for nearly 30 years and has maintained control over the government since that time. Syrian troops and intelligence officers pulled out of Lebanon in May although pro-Syrian forces are still in charge of the government pending the results of this election. The support for Hezbollah and its allies who receive major funding from Damascus, does not bode well for those hoping for reform.

Last week, a journalist who has spoken out against Syria's influence in Lebanon was assassinated and the opposition blamed Damascus and/or pro-Syrian forces.

Voter turnout was estimated at 45 percent. The low number of voters is partially due to the fact that six of the 23 seats on the ballot were uncontested.