Letter: Elections in Libya

Paper Edition | Page: 8

Recent elections in Libya will decide new course of country. After 43 years of Qaddafi rule, these first elections will provide an opportunity for the country’s political parties to establish new era for Libya.

The country is passing through a critical stage in its history and, since the elections, political parties have tough challenges ahead. After long armed struggle against the Qaddafi regime, different militant groups belonging to different tribes control the country.

Clashes among armed groups have become a daily routine in diverse parts of country. The collection of illegal arms and an arms-free society should be first priority of the new elected government.

According to human rights organizations numerous people are still detained in prisons without charge or legal proceedings. A fair trial of former Qaddafi regime associates will be a major challenge for the new administration.

Country has wealth of oil but conditions of ordinary people are going from bad to worse: half of the youth population is unemployed and tribal tensions are on the rise.

Due to oil wealth, the US and other western countries want to increase their influence in Libya. Russia and China also
want a piece of the pie. New relations with foreign powers will be another hard test for new regime.

Khawaja Umer Farooq
Jeddah