Divisions in Libya after controversial election of new Prime Minister

Libya’s Parliament elected on Sunday businessman Ahmad Maitig as new prime minister with 121 votes, second deputy speaker of Parliament Saleh Makhzoumi announced.

The opposition is reporting that Maitig only collected 113 votes out of 120 votes he needs to be elected as prime minister.

First deputy speaker of Parliament, Azzedine Awami announced that Maitig did not collect the required majority of votes and therefore his election is “void and contrary to the laws”.

Awami said in a statement: “the current government will continue as a caretaker government until a new government with full vote of confidence is formed in accordance with laws.”

The Libyan parliament began voting to elect new prime minister on Wednesday but the session was postponed when gunmen affiliated with a losing candidate stormed the session and injured several people.

However, parliament spokesperson Omar Humaidan said: “The session was illegally adjourned”.

Maitig will succeed former Prime Minister Abdullah Mathni who resigned three weeks ago after militants attacked his family a month after taking office.