Image copyright EPA Image caption Mohammed Bakari made an unannounced presidential bid at an election rally on Tuesday
Image copyright EPA Image caption He was expelled from Libya in 2007 for allegedly leading a military coup
Libya’s ex-leader Muammar Gadhafi’s son is running for president in the country’s next national election.
Mohammed Gadhafi, 28, was made an MP in December in a victory for the National Forces Alliance.
His party says he is campaigning to stop a return to “rule by Islamic extremists”.
Anti-militia groups have seized Libya’s easternmost city, according to reports.
Disbelief
Mohammed Gadhafi, a regular attendance at his father’s funeral in 2011, made an unannounced announcement at an election rally in the southern town of Sabha on Tuesday night.
He shouted “may God save Libya” to the party faithful and moved onto another stage, where he was greeted by cheering crowds.
There were shouts of disbelief and even cheers of joy, according to television footage.
Mr Gadhafi’s presidential bid is unlikely to be accepted.
There is suspicion in Tripoli – the capital of Libya – that his NFA is supported by the country’s interim Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.
Image copyright EPA Image caption Members of the NFA were appointed to the government in a move the opposition say is unconstitutional
However, it was obvious on Tuesday night that his party enjoyed support.
The NFA is also a sign of the continuing difficulties in Libya, despite the billions of dollars in oil money pumped back into the state after Muammar Gadhafi’s ousting.
So far about 200 candidates have said they will take part in Libya’s elections, which are intended to bring an end to turmoil in the country.