Magharebia

Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) chief Mustafa Abdel Jalil on Wednesday (April 25th) sacked High National Election Commission chief Uthman Gajiji and four members of the body's executive board, Libya Herald reported.

No reason for the action was given, but earlier on Wednesday, interim Prime Minister Abdurrahim El Keib accused the NTC of hindering his government's efforts to "carry out our duties in the service of the February 17th revolution – chiefly, holding elections on time".

Failure to hold the poll as scheduled "could derail the revolution", AFP quoted the prime minister as saying.

In response to El Keib's comments, the NTC said: "We were surprised with the prime minister's statement in which he blamed the NTC for impeding the government's work."

The election "will be held at its pre-scheduled date, God willing," the NTC said. "We will do our best to ensure security and safety. Any decision to be taken by the NTC will not be an obstacle" to the poll, the council added.