Libya's Parliament Approves New Government

Libya's parliament on Tuesday approved a new government despite the incumbent administration saying it would not cede power.

According to Reuters, lawmakers' voted for Fathi Bashagha as prime minister in a televised process.

The move risks jeopardizing a peace process in the North African country, as the interim administration of Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, who was installed through an UN-backed process last year, vowed not to step down.

Opposing armed groups have been mobilizing in Tripoli over recent weeks as the country's search for peace and a unified central government remains elusive.

Reuters reports that any move by Bashagha to establish a government in Tripoli would trigger armed resistance by Dbeibah, pointing to a return to Libya's pision between rival administrations based in different cities.

A vote had originally been scheduled for Monday, but lawmakers were unable until Tuesday to agree upon Bashagha's cabinet list.

Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh said the newly approved government was voted for by 92 of 101 members present in the chamber, compared to the 132 who voted for Dbeibah's government a year ago.