The Libyan commander, Khalifa Haftar, has taken a step that may enable him to run in a presidential election, due to take place in December.

General Haftar says he's stepping down from his military duties. He appears to be taking advantage of a controversial new law.

It says officials must relinquish their posts in order to stand in the elections, but it guarantees that they can return to their old positions if they lose.

The law - which was ratified by an ally of General Haftar - has been rejected by his opponents.

Analysts say gathering tensions between rival camps have put the holding of Libya's elections in doubt.