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Polls in Libya

The second ballot since the overthrow of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi is being held in the midst of coup fears and a governance crisis. But this time around more than 2,000 candidates are contesting in their individual capacity, as the culture of political parties seems to have fallen apart. Most religious elements do not enjoy public support and only candidates that are liberal and nationalist have an edge. A successful poll and a valid result that is acceptable across-the-board will prove to be a shot in the arm in Libya’s transition towards a stable democratic state.

The question that has gathered importance, however, is what will be the fate of militant groups that have mushroomed since 2011, when the wave of Arab Spring led to somersaults. At least three successive prime ministers have not been able to overcome the crisis. That had led a section of the state army to assert under the leadership of General Khalifa Haftar, which had come as a deathblow to thugs and militants who had created a state within the state. Apparently that is why the United States had developed a soft corner for Haftar, hoping that he is realising an agenda that Washington was supposed to implement by going after the criminals.

Underlying political divisions and armed groups are two of the issues that Libya’s polity faces and the crisis is compounded in the absence of a leader who can rally the people. But the good point is that Libyans still strongly believe in a pluralistic-cum-representative society and it is this aspect that is going to rebuild the country. The vote is meant to beat the chaotic environment crippling the country.