Libya: election violence kills 1

Security forces in Libya shot and killed a man trying to steal a ballot box today as the nation attempts to elect a government, Reuters reported.

The dead man was trying to steal the ballot box from a polling station in the eastern town of Ajdabiya.

Some in the eastern region say they want more independence and suggest the election won’t fairly represent them, Reuters said.

“Three men in a car were trying to threaten the voting process in one of the polling stations,” Deputy Interior Minister Omar al-Khadrawi said, according to Reuters.

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A guard shot at the car, killing one and injuring two others.

It was the only death reported on the first day of elections not held in Libya for 60 years.

Voting in Ajdabiya continued after the violence, The Associated Press reported.

Libyans are voting for a prime minister and representatives for a 200-seat legislature after overthrowing dictator Moammar Gaddafi last year.

Gaddafi ruled the country for 40 years.

Elsewhere today, BBC said gunmen tried to stop voting in Ras Lanuf and reports of disruptions came from Brega.

However, 94 percent of polls report little interruptions and voting hours would be extended to allow everyone to cast a ballot, BBC said.

“I feel free at last,” voter Asmaddin Arifi said, according to BBC. “It’s a feeling I cannot describe: like a human being.”

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