The leader of one of Libya's main Islamist parties said on Sunday that a rival liberal coalition had a solid advantage after the country's first election since the ouster of Gaddafi.

"The National Forces Alliance achieved good results in some large cities except Misrata. They have a net lead in Tripoli and in Benghazi," said Mohammed Sawan, who heads the Justice and Construction party.

The bulk of Libya's population and registered voters are concentrated in the capital, which lies in the west of the oil-rich desert country, and in the eastern city of Benghazi.

"But it is a tight race for us in the south," Sawan added.