Libya's parliament has sworn in a new prime minister after a contentious vote.
Forty-two year old businessman Ahmed Matiq took the oath of office Sunday after a chaotic session of the General National Congress.
Initially Mr. Matiq secured the support of only 113 lawmakers, short of the 120 votes necessary for him to win. Reports say a second vote was held giving him the support of eight more lawmakers and beating his challenger, science professor Omar al-Hassi.
Mr. Matiq will replace outgoing prime minister Abdullah al-Thani who resigned earlier this month.
The Libyan parliament had been struggling to chose a new prime minister to cope with growing lawlessness in the country.
Libya' government has been struggling with security since the 2011 overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi. Militia groups that helped oust the longtime leader continue to operate over wide areas of Libya, including in eastern Libya, where they have seized control of major ports.
Forty-two year old businessman Ahmed Matiq took the oath of office Sunday after a chaotic session of the General National Congress.
Initially Mr. Matiq secured the support of only 113 lawmakers, short of the 120 votes necessary for him to win. Reports say a second vote was held giving him the support of eight more lawmakers and beating his challenger, science professor Omar al-Hassi.
Mr. Matiq will replace outgoing prime minister Abdullah al-Thani who resigned earlier this month.
The Libyan parliament had been struggling to chose a new prime minister to cope with growing lawlessness in the country.
Libya' government has been struggling with security since the 2011 overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi. Militia groups that helped oust the longtime leader continue to operate over wide areas of Libya, including in eastern Libya, where they have seized control of major ports.