Libyan Elections

Reality and Prospects

Abstract

The first Libyan election was held on February 19, 1952, but it was not fair and transparent; and therefore, the 1964 election was the last. However, Libya witnessed another type of election during the Gaddafi era (1977-2010) known as the popular choice. Then, Libya returned back to the traditional election in 2012 when the two hundred members of the General National Congress were elected in free and fair election under UN supervision. The Libyan general elections of 2012, 2013 and 2014 as well as the local elections (on the level of municipalities) reflected, by and large, the internal and external environmental conditions, e. g., tribalism, ideologies, conflict of interests among regional and global powers. As far as the future of Libyan elections is concerned, three scenarios are mentioned. The first scenario assumes that the future of Libyan elections will reflect the past and the present conditions (instability and ambiguity). Nevertheless, the other two scenarios reflect optimistic and pessimistic views.