Libya elects new PM

Ali Zeidan takes the stage for the first time as Libya's prime minister.

Zeidan was elected by the national assembly on Sunday to become the second prime minister in a month after his predecessor failed to form a government.

He has promised to form an emergency government in two weeks that would unify the country's many opposing factions and restore security on Libyan streets.

Zeidan is a diplomat who defected in the 1980s, becoming a well known critic of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

But on Monday Libyans were divided over Zeidan's new role.

Some welcomed the changing face of the government.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) TRIPOLI RESIDENCE, ADEL AL ABANI, SAYING:

"With God's will Ali Zeidan will be a good prime minister, I am really optimistic about him and he will make a good government."

Others in the capital worried that Zeidan will be unable to make a difference.

Libya desperately needs a viable government to jumpstart reconstruction efforts and heal rifts opened up by the popular uprising that unseated former leader Muammar Gaddafi last year.