The third round of voting took place yesterday in Lebanon’s elections, and this time the polls saw a large voter turn-out with the centre and east regions, which are Christian-dominated areas of the country, coming to let their voice be known. Previously exiled Christian leader, Michael Aoun from early returns seems to have gained a shock election win.

The vote took place in the Mount Lebanon region, and is the third of the four stages of the country’s election process. The vote was split by a deep rift in the Christian wing of the anti-Syrian opposition. This round has been touted as the most important yet, as it could greatly tip the balance of pro and anti-Syrian forces in the new parliament; 128 seats were at stake in this vote.

The former army commander and Christian leader, Michael Aoun, who has been a firm enemy of Syria told the Financial Times, "Maybe today the Christians will find a leader."

The current elections will be the first since the withdrawal of Syria’s troops after a 29-year presence. The departure came after international pressure has been built up by the United Nations, and after huge Lebanese protests when Rafiq Hariri was killed.

Now the major topic in the country is what Syria’s presence will be in the country. The UN secretary-general’s envoy yesterday held urgent talks in Damascus with the Syrian President, after Kofi Annan recently voiced his concerns over reports of a continued Syrian presence in Lebanon.

So far the first two rounds of the election have seen a powerful victory for Mr Hariri in Beirut, and last week pro-Syrian parties obtained a huge victory in the south.

However, now the election has come to Mount Lebanon where a great battle for leadership of the Christian community has come about. Mr Aoun is standing against opposition candidates who have formed alliances with the hard-line Lebanese Forces (LF).

Early polls indicate Christian leader Michel Aoun and his allies had won at least 15 of 35 seats being contested in the Christian heartland of the country. Aoun’s apparent victory may see him become the leading Christian political power in the new government.

The fourth and final round of voting will take place next Sunday in northern Lebanon.