Libya’s internationally recognized parliament on Monday voted to reject a UN-backed unity government, lawmakers said, in a major blow to international efforts to end the country’s unrest.

Libya's internationally recognized parliament on Monday voted to reject a UN-backed unity government, lawmakers said, in a major blow to international efforts to end the country's unrest.

"We voted against endorsing the government and ask... to be presented with another government," parliamentarian Ali al-Gaydi said.

Of the 104 lawmakers in attendance, 89 rejected the new government, he said.

A national unity government headed by businessman Fayez al-Sarraj and comprising 32 ministers was formed last week under a UN-sponsored accord signed last month.

Parliament member Al-Saliheen Abdelnabbi said the government had been rejected because its cabinet was too large.