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TRIPOLI. — Libya’s Supreme Court says the election of Ahmed Maiteeq as new premier was “illegal”. The court ruling came yesterday and an appeal was filed by Maiteeq’s lawyers against the ruling shortly after it was broadcast on television. On May 4, the 42-year-old businessman, Ahmed Maiteeq, was appointed as premier after a chaotic voting session of the Libyan parliament.
Some lawmakers and officials have challenged the election, arguing the quorum had been missed.
Initially, only 113 MPs voted for Maiteeq in a confidence vote, falling short of 120 votes needed to confirm his appointment.
Deputy speaker Saleh al-Makhzoum later stated that Maiteeq had secured 121 votes in the 185-seat chamber after voting resumed. Some deputies, however, later claimed that the election was illegal because chairman of the National Council had already declared the session for voting over.
Until the June 25 legislative elections, Maiteeq is slated to head a transitional government.
The election was triggered by the resignation of interim premier, Abdullah al-Thinni, earlier last month. He stepped down after just one month in office, citing security threats against him and his family.
On March 11, the parliament passed a vote of no-confidence against former premier Ali Zeidan after a standoff between the government and a militia group in the eastern port of al-Sidra. Zeidan was replaced temporarily by al-Thinni.
Nearly three years after the fall of Gaddafi, the country is still grappling with rising insecurity. — Press TV
daniel chigunwe
Online Reporter