Libya crisis worsens after court rules June elections unconstitutional

Libya’s Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the June election that produced an internationally recognised legislature and government was unconstitutional, further deepening a political divide that has fuelled months of militia fighting.

The court issued its ruling from the capital Tripoli, which is controlled by Islamist-allied militias from the powerful western coastal city of Misrata that back a rival government dominated by Islamist factions.

The militias forced the internationally recognised parliament, dominated by anti-Islamists, to convene in the far eastern city of Tobruk.

Abu-Bakr Baeira, a leading lawmaker in the Tobruk parliament, rejected the court decision, described it as “politicised” and said that it will only pave the way for the country’s partition.

“Tripoli is hijacked,” he said. “We don’t recognise anything that comes out of it.” He added that the Tobruk parliament is now holding a session to discuss the ruling and take action.

The Tobruk parliament is the second elected legislative body since longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed in a 2011 Arab Spring-inspired uprising.