Libya’s first post-Gaddafi elections have been marred by protests and attacks on polling stations in the east of the country.

Voting was largely peaceful across Libya, but at least three polling stations were attacked by armed militias in the eastern cities of Benghazi, Guba and Suluq, according to local media reports.

Protests ahead of the 7 July elections have been led by federalist movements, particularly in the east, over distribution of seats in the new parliament, the General National Congress (GNC).

The ruling National Transitional Council (NTC), which will be disbanded following the formation of the GNC, has allocated seats on the basis of population in each province. This means the western region will receive 100 seats, while the east will hold only 60 and the south 40.

The armed groups forced the shutdown of the eastern Al-Sidra, Haruj, Zueitina, Brega and Al-Hariga oil facilities on 5 July and called for a boycott of the elections.

An estimated 2.7 million Libyans were registered, around 80 per cent of those eligible to vote. The ballots are still being counted.