DHAKA: The head of Libya’s parliament has confirmed businessman Ahmed Maiteeq as the country’s new prime minister, according to a decree signed by him on Monday, one day after a deputy speaker had declared Maiteeq’s election invalid.

The divisions in the assembly highlight growing political turmoil in Libya, where the government and parliament are unable to assert their authority in a country awash with arms and militias from the 2011 ouster of Muammar Gaddafi.

Parliament elected Maiteeq on Sunday after chaotic voting in parliament but First Deputy Speaker Ezzedin al-Awami initially said the businessman had failed to obtain the necessary quorum.

On Monday, the president of parliament Nouri Abu Sahmain confirmed that he had asked Maiteeq to form a new government within two weeks, according to the decree posted on parliament’s website.

Sahmain wields quasi-presidential powers, reports The Straits Times.

BDST:2010 HRS, MAY 05, 2014