Preliminary results of the first free elections in Libya since the ousting of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi last year.<br/> <br />Libya's National Forces Alliance, lead by former interim prime minster Mahmoud Jibril, took first place, clinching 39 seats.<br/> <br />But it is not yet clear who will dominate the new 200-member assembly.<br/> <br />Islamists-- who won elections in other Arab spring countries Egypt and Tunisia-- lagged behind, with the Muslim Brotherhood's Justice and Construction Party winning just 17 seats.<br/> <br />Another 120 seats were reserved for independent candidates whose allegiances are hard to pin down.<br/> <br />It is not yet known what sort of voting blocs will be formed, as many independent candidates have been elected on a basis of local connections rather than ideology.<br/> <br />The national assembly will name a prime minister, pass laws and prepare for full parliamentary polls after the country drafts a new constitution next year.<br/> <br />Results of the July 7 elections will be finalized after a two-week period of appeals.<br/> <br />Sarah Sheffer, Reuters
