Lebanon: Ex-justice minister's list wins Tripoli polls

By Enes Kanli

BEIRUT (AA) – The list backed by former Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi has won over the one backed by Sunni leaders Saad al-Hariri and Najib Mikati in a municipal election in Lebanon's second largest city Tripoli on Monday.

According to unofficial results, Rifi-backed "Tripoli's Choice" list secured the majority of the seats -- 18 in a 24-seat municipality council.

The "For Tripoli" list backed by former Prime Ministers Saad al-Hariri and Najib Mikati as well as former ministers Faisal Karami and Mohammad Safadi fell short.

Hariri congratulated the winners and called on all parties to work for the benefit of the city.

* Anadolu Agency correspondent Sibel Ugurlu contributed to this report from Ankara.