Lack of quorum thwarts Libya confidence vote

Libya’s internationally recognised parliament failed to hold a vote of confidence in the national unity government supported by the UN on Tuesday, following a hitch in quorum.

“The quorum for the meeting (89 members) was not obtained, so the presiding judge adjourned the meeting,” a Libyan lawmaker Mohamed al-Abbani told AFP.

The legislators said the crucial vote of confidence has been postponed to next week.

“The required quorum was not achieved and the voting session was therefore postponed to the next week,” said MP Ali Al-Qaidi,

Oil-rich Libya has had rival administrations since mid 2014 when the recognised government fled Tripoli after a militia alliance including Islamists overran the capital.

That alliance has established its own administration and parliament called the General National Congress, while the internationally recognised legislature is based in the eastern city of Tobruk.

The United Nations has been pushing both sides to back a unity government.

The Presidential Council, born of an agreement in December under UN auspices between representatives of the rival parliaments, proposed last week the formation of a unity government of 18 members.

Parliament has been meeting since Saturday to discuss the line-up submitted by prime minister designate Fayez al-Sarraj.

UN envoy Martin Kobler travelled Sunday to Tobruk saying he wanted to “help” with the vote of confidence but “not to interfere”.

Libya has been torn by strife since Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed in 2011 following a rebellion supported by Western military intervention.

The chaos that has reigned since has allowed the jihadist Islamic State group to establish a foothold, and IS now controls the coastal city of Sirte and its surroundings.