Tens of thousands of Libyans voted in local elections on Saturday in areas controlled by the Tripoli government but opposition from a rival administration in the east prevented the polls going ahead elsewhere.

The elections were seen as a test of democracy in a nation still plagued by division and instability after years of unrest following the NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) praised organisers for the conduct of Saturday's elections but criticised the eastern administration, backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar, for its "violation" of the rights of voters in areas under its control.

Polling took place in around 50 municipalities, including the capital.

"Voting today in Tripoli is crucial for me because it makes me feel useful," said Sami........

© Al Monitor