Lebanon boycott could benefit Hezbollah Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s decision to boycott the election – and the effective withdrawal of his Future Movement – has left the Sunni vote to fragment between allies of Hezbollah and smaller parties Parliament 2018-22 128 seats Two-thirds majority (86 seats) required 45 Amal- Hezbollah + allies 29 Free Patriotic Movement + allies 19 Others 20 Future Movement + allies 15 Lebanese Forces + allies ---------------------------------------------------- Hezbollah Conservative Shia group founded by Iran. Supported Bashar al-Assad in Syrian civil war. Classified as terrorist group by U.S. and EU Hassan Nasrallah Hezbollah leader ---------------------------------------------------- Amal Led Shi’ite politics until rise of rival Hezbollah in 1990s, now views their arsenal as asset. Aligned with Iran and Syria Nabih Berri Speaker of Parliament ---------------------------------------------------- Free Patriotic Movement Largest Maronite Christian bloc in parliament, allied to Hezbollah. Role in collapse of economy could lose votes Michel Aoun President ---------------------------------------------------- Marada Movement Led by Suleiman Franjieh, Maronite Christian friend of Bashar al-Assad ---------------------------------------------------- Maronite Christian bloc opposed to Hezbollah, with strong ties to Saudi Arabia. May gain from FPM losses Samir Geagea Served time in jail ---------------------------------------------------- Progressive Socialist Party Druze party with close ties to Saudi. Critical of Iranian influence. Faces challenge from Druze parties Taymour Jumblatt allied to Hezbollah ---------------------------------------------------- Trincomalee Mahinda Rajapaksa, banned by court from leaving country, is holed up in naval base Taymour Jumblatt ---------------------------------------------------- The Kataeb Opposed to Hezbollah, resigned en masse after port blast and has attempted to build coalition for reform Samy Gemayal Son of former President Amin Gemayal ---------------------------------------------------- Opposition Myriad parties opposed to ruling elite, but often running against one another ---------------------------------------------------- Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, Daily Star Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS