Preliminary results of the first free elections in Libya since the ousting of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi last year.

Libya's National Forces Alliance, lead by former interim prime minster Mahmoud Jibril, took first place, clinching 39 seats.

But it is not yet clear who will dominate the new 200-member assembly.

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.

Another 120 seats were reserved for independent candidates whose allegiances are hard to pin down.

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.

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.

Results of the July 7 elections will be finalized after a two-week period of appeals.

Sarah Sheffer, Reuters