TRIPOLI: Libyans were voting Wednesday in a legislative election the authorities hope will end political turmoil and deadly violence that has gripped the country since the ouster of dictator Muammar Qaddafi.

Voters in Tripoli and Benghazi took advantage of a public holiday called for the election, trickling in to cast their ballots. Security was tight around some polling stations in the capital, while totally absent at others.

“These are the last chance elections. We are placing much hope in the future Parliament to restore the security and stability of our country,” said Amr Baiou, 32, as he emerged from a voting center in Tripoli.

Voters are choosing from among 1,628 candidates, with 32 seats in the 200-strong GNC reserved for women and would-be MPs banned from belonging to any political party.

Polling ends at 8:00 p.m. (1800 GMT), and final results are expected in “several days,” according to electoral officials. The Security Council has expressed hopes that the vote can be a stepping stone out of the chaos.

There are concerns that violence will mar polling day, particularly in the unrest-hit east, scene of a deadly 2012 attack by jihadis on the US consulate in Benghazi.