((summary version)

U.S. President Barack Obama has hailed Libya's first free election in decades, calling it another milestone in the country's transition to democracy.

In a written statement late Saturday, Mr. Obama extended his congratulations to Libya on behalf of the American people.

Libya's Electoral Commission put the turnout in Saturday's election at about 60 percent. Results of the ballot counting will be available later in the week.

Nearly 3 million Libyans registered to vote for members of a 200-seat National Assembly, charged with forming a temporary government and drafting a constitution ahead of full parliamentary elections next year.