Parliament ousts new Libyan prime minister

TRIPOLI - The Associated Press

Abushagur (R) was Libya’s first elected prime minister after Gadhafi’s overthrow. AFP photo

Libya’s Parliament ousted the country’s new prime minister in a no-confidence vote on Oct. 7, the latest blow to hopes that the country’s factions could agree on a government charged with restoring stability after last year’s civil war.

Mustafa Abushagur was Libya’s first elected prime minister after last year’s overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi. He was considered a compromise candidate acceptable to both liberals and Islamists.

But his proposed Cabinet was struck down by a legislature representing dozens of divided tribes, towns, and regions across the country, many of whom feel they are owed the spoils of victory over Gadhafi. He was forced to withdraw his first ministerial line-up under pressure and his second attempt to submit one resulted in his ouster.

In a statement on Libya al-Wataniya TV, Abushagur said he respected the decision made by the General National Congress as part of Libya’s democracy but warned of instability if it takes too long to elect his replacement. Until a replacement can be elected by the Parliament, management of Libya’s government is in the hands of the legislature.

The Congress will have to vote on a new prime minister in the coming weeks. According to Libya’s transition plan, after the formation of a government a new constitution is to be written and voted upon in a national referendum.