Libya's eastern parliament elects Abdulnabi as speaker after 12 years of Saleh

Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives on Tuesday elected Al-Salhin Abdulnabi as speaker, replacing Aguila Saleh after nearly 12 years in the post amid growing discontent among MPs over his leadership. (Reuters)

The vote came a day after 98 members of the House approved a new term system limiting the speaker and deputy speakers to a single 12-month term, ending the arrangement in place since the chamber’s first leadership was elected in 2014. (Reuters)

The change was backed by 98 of the 102 members attending a session at the House’s Benghazi headquarters without Saleh — above the widely accepted quorum of 87 — and was presided over by Second Deputy Speaker Misbah Douma. (Libya Herald)

“There was significant discontent among MPs with the previous leadership over numerous errors. We tried to engage with the leadership to address these issues, but to no avail. Among these errors were decisions made without consulting MPs,” lawmaker Jebreel Oheida said. (Reuters)

The House also elected Tarek al-Ashtar and Mesbah Douma as first and second deputy speakers, respectively. (Reuters)

Abdulnabi, who comes from the same tribe as Saleh, represents the eastern city of Tobruk, has chaired parliament’s Libyan-Turkish friendship committee, and holds a master’s degree in civil engineering. (Reuters)

Libya has been split since 2014 between rival administrations in the east and west, with the internationally recognised Government of National Unity based in Tripoli, while Saleh — an ally of eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar — long played a central role in diplomacy aimed at resolving the conflict. (Reuters)