Ballots burned in Benghazi

Ballots burn in Benghazi - the cradle of last year's uprising against Muammar Gaddafi.

Libya's first free elections in 60 years were marred by protesters here reportedly storming polling stations and burning hundreds of ballot slips.

Benghazi has seen a spate of protests by local groups who complain the area is being neglected by Tripoli and want more powers for the oil-rich region.

In this neighbourhood, protesters allegedly shot at a polling station injuring one voter.

It was a different story here in Misrata where officials said voting was progressing smoothly.

Libyans are selecting a 200-member assembly that will choose a cabinet and prime minister to replace the self-appointed interim government.

While analysts say it's hard to predict the political make-up of Libya's new assembly, many of the 3700 candidates have strong Islamic agendas.

Sunita Rappai, Reuters