Libya should resist rushing to elections this year - Human Rights Watch

Historic buildings, that were ruined during a three-year conflict, are seen in Benghazi. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori

TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Libya should resist rushing into elections this year because the country is too violent and authorities cannot guarantee freedom of assembly or free speech, which are essential for a vote, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday.

Potential contenders on both sides of Libya's main political divide have called for a vote to resolve an impasse in which the government in the capital has limited authority and largely depends on armed groups for security.