Libya's eastern commander Haftar announces election bid

FILE PHOTO: Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar gestures as he speaks in Benghazi, Libya December 24, 2020. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori/File Photo

BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Khalifa Haftar, a major figure in the Libyan civil war who wields wide sway over the east of the country, announced on Tuesday he will run in a Dec. 24 presidential election that aims to help end a decade of conflict.

A divisive figure, his candidacy is one of many points of contention overshadowing the presidential and parliamentary votes which remain in doubt with just weeks to go, despite international pressure for them to happen on time.