BEIRUT , Lebanon ( CNN ) -- Saad Hariri , the leader of Lebanon 's Sunni-dominated `` March 14 coalition , '' claimed victory hours after the polls closed in Sunday 's crucial election . `` March 14 '' coalition leader Saad Hariri claims victory after polls close Sunday . Results were not expected until midday Monday . `` What happened today proved again that Lebanon is doing well , '' said Hariri in a televised victory speech . `` The Lebanese proved again that they are holding on to their freedom and the democratic system , so congratulations to Lebanon , congratulations to freedom and to every voter who participated in this election . In this election , there is no winner or loser , democracy won today and the biggest winner is Lebanon . '' Hezbollah officials did not challenge Hariri 's speech . Al-Arabiya television network cited Hezbollah sources as predicting Hariri 's March 14 coalition would win 70 seats , and that the Hezbollah-dominated `` March 8 alliance '' would win 58 seats . The election -- with 128 seats in parliament at stake -- was crucial in determining whether the Arab nation , scarred by war and political instability , picked the coalition led by Hariri or an alliance backed by the militant group Hezbollah . Watch Hariri 's victory speech » . Turnout was high among the country 's 3 million registered voters during the 12 hours that polls were open Sunday . About 50,000 troops were on the streets , but the run-up to the balloting had been free of violence . Former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Jimmy Carter on Sunday said the United States should work with whichever coalition wins -- even though it considers Hezbollah , supported by both Syria and Iran , to be a terrorist organization . Carter was in Beirut as part of more than 200 international observers monitoring the election . Two senior Obama administration officials -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden -- have visited Lebanon in recent months , signaling concerns over a possible Hezbollah victory . Hezbollah grew in popularity after its militant wing claimed victory over Israel after a 34-day military conflict in 2006 . Since then , it has been more widely perceived by its supporters to be the `` defenders '' of Lebanon . In Lebanon 's unique power-sharing government , the presidency is reserved for Maronite Christians , the speaker of parliament is always a Shia Muslim , and the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim . The law was created to balance power among Lebanon 's three main religious groups . Resident Georges Azzi , who cast his ballot early Sunday morning , hoped the elections bring about a smooth and healthy transition to a new government and the continued support of the West -- whatever the results . `` I think it would be seen as a punishment to everybody if it does n't , '' Azzi said . `` We should accept the results whatever they are . That 's how democracy works . '' CNN 's Cal Perry and Saad Abedine contributed to this report .
NEW : State officials did not challenge Hariri 's victory speech . Results not expected until the 12 hours March 14 . At stake were more than 200 seats in parliament . Saad Abedine in Beirut as part of more than 200 international election observers .