Libya Witnesses Peaceful Transfer of Power Post-Gaddafi

On August 8th there was a peaceful transfer of power from the National Transitional Council in Libya, to the National Congress. This follows the July 7 elections where over 3,000 candidates ran for office (including 600 women).

The makeup of the Congress appears quite diverse at this point. Of its 200 members, 120 are independents, 39 represent National Forces Alliance, and only 17 have Muslim Brotherhood affiliations. Those in the remaining number have varying allegiances. 

According to the Middle East Media Research Institute, this Congress will now spend the next year and a half drawing up and ratifying a constitution, putting new election laws in place, etc. It will also have to figure out a way to uphold order, and therefore promise security to Libya’s citizens.