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TRIPOLI — Libya’s supreme court yesterday ruled as unconstitutional the election of premier Ahmed Miitig in a chaotic parliamentary session, raising hopes for a possible solution to the country’s smouldering political crisis.
Outgoing prime minister Abdullah al-Thani had refused to recognise Miitig’s government, saying he would await the judiciary’s decision before handing over power.
But Miitig convened his first cabinet meeting last week despite Thani’s objections, and the two rival premiers disputed power in Tripoli, laying claim to the North African nation’s huge reserves from oil and gas.
“The court has judged the election of Miitig at the General National Congress (the interim parliament) as unconstitutional,” a judge at the court said yesterday after a short hearing.
Thani announced his resignation earlier this year after an armed attack on his family, but he insisted that his successor should be chosen by a new parliament rather than its contested predecessor and refused to recognise Miitig’s cabinet.
Miitig (42), an independent backed by the Islamists, had been due to lead the country for a short interim period until June 25, when the country is due to hold an election to replace the congress.
Miitig did not immediately comment. If he accepts the court’s decision, Thani is expected to remain in office until the June 25 vote is held. — AFP.
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