Libyans vote in historic poll

A new era begins in Libya.

Citizens cast their ballots in the country's first free national election in almost 60 years.

They are voting for a 200-member assembly that will run Libya for at least the next six months.

The poll is a key step in the country's transition to democracy and follows a bloody uprising last year that ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) LIBYAN VOTER, TAREK AHMED, SAYING:

"I feel that this is a cheerful day for all Libyans. Fifty thousand people have sacrificed their life and many others were injured for a day like this."

Among those casting their ballots was Libya's prime minister, Abdurrahim El-Keib.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LIBYAN PRIME MINISTER, ABDURRAHIM EL-KEIB SAYING:

"Fantastic. It is a well deserved feeling for all the Libyans and they are going to surprise the world as they did during the revolution. Inshallah (God willing)."

But many are worried security problems and tribal rivalries may overshadow the vote.

Andrew Raven, Reuters.