IRNA – Spokesman of Iran's Foreign Ministry Bahram Qasemi on Monday congratulated the Lebanese government and nation on holding successful parliamentary elections across the country.

Qasemi said that 'this epic' was a big victory for the whole Lebanese nation from all different ethnic groups and political currents.

The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that holding a calm election in the current situation of the region is a big achievement in line with the democratic trend for the Lebanese people, Qasemi said.

Preliminary unofficial results from Lebanon’s parliamentary elections, the first in nine years, shows that the Hezbollah resistance movement and its political allies have secured more than half of the seats.

Hezbollah as well as groups and individuals affiliated to it have won at least 67 seats in Lebanon’s 128-member parliament, according to the results cited by politicians and campaigns and reported in Lebanese media on Monday.

Hezbollah's allies include the Amal Movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and the Christian Free Patriotic Movement founded by President Michel Aoun.

Lebanon's first parliamentary elections in nine years were held on Sunday, with over 500 candidates vying for seats. Turnout was 49.2 percent, according to the officials.

Videos posted on social media showed people in southern Lebanon celebrating the victory of Hezbollah and its allies.