Washington  - US President Barack Obama on Monday praised Lebanon for conducting successful parliamentary elections and called on the next government to continue the country's development into a sovereign and democratic state.

Obama said the high turnout in Sunday's vote demonstrated a strong commitment by the Lebanese people to democracy and moving away from the dominance Syria wielded over Lebanon in past decades.

"Once more, the people of Lebanon have demonstrated to the world their courage and the strength of their commitment to democracy," Obama said in a statement released by the White House.

"It is our sincere hope that the next government will continue along the path towards building a sovereign, independent and stable Lebanon," Obama said.

Lebanon's Western-backed majority parties led by Saad Hariri prevailed in the vote over the Hezbollah-led opposition, winning 71 of 128 seats. Hezbollah, blacklisted by Washington as a terrorist organization, is seen by the West as a proxy for Iran and Syria.(dpa)