Political progress in Libya?
Has Libya built on the achievement of successful elections in 2012 to make real progress towards a modern, democratic and secure state?
After an election in July 2012 that pleased many observers by being peaceful and largely free and fair, Libya’s progress has been slow. The interim parliament, the General National Congress, finally agreed in February 2013 on the procedure for the election of a Constituent Assembly, charged with drawing up a constitution and presenting it to the electorate for approval at a referendum. The election to the Constituent Assembly should be held some time this year.
However, security problems are mounting: the official security services are still ineffectual and the void has been filled by armed militias and gangs. Grievances that built up during the dictatorship and the revolution are not being resolved and ethnic, regional and local conflicts could threaten the integrity of the country.