Election season begins in Libya
by Reuters
11 views
Election season begins in Libya.
On July 7 voters will choose an national assembly which will re-draw the autocratic system of rule put in place by ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Eighty of the assembly's 200 seats will go to political parties and the rest to independent candidates.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) CANDIDATE NOREE KHALEFA ABDEL SALAM SAYING:
"These elections are a very unique experience in Libya, after 42 years of injustice and tyranny. It's good for both voters and candidate."
Citizens also welcome the chance to cast a ballot.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FAWZI ABU SA'A, TRIPOLI RESIDENT SAYING:
"The elections are the proof of freedom, because people can vote for their candidate."
The country is currently governed by the National Transitional Council, an unelected body of civic and tribal leaders which is recognized internationally as the country's legitimate leadership.
During his 42-year rule, Gaddafi banned direct elections, saying they were anti-democratic.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
On July 7 voters will choose an national assembly which will re-draw the autocratic system of rule put in place by ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Eighty of the assembly's 200 seats will go to political parties and the rest to independent candidates.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) CANDIDATE NOREE KHALEFA ABDEL SALAM SAYING:
"These elections are a very unique experience in Libya, after 42 years of injustice and tyranny. It's good for both voters and candidate."
Citizens also welcome the chance to cast a ballot.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FAWZI ABU SA'A, TRIPOLI RESIDENT SAYING:
"The elections are the proof of freedom, because people can vote for their candidate."
The country is currently governed by the National Transitional Council, an unelected body of civic and tribal leaders which is recognized internationally as the country's legitimate leadership.
During his 42-year rule, Gaddafi banned direct elections, saying they were anti-democratic.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters