NDI - Libya

Notes from Benghazi: Local Elections

fgalleto — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:04:14 +0000

Libyan voters went to the polls in Benghazi May 19 to elect members of the city’s local council. It was the first election held there in more than four decades. Though NDI did not field an international observation mission, Megan Doherty, NDI resident senior program officer in Libya, was accredited to observe the vote. Here she shares her informal observations of the voting process.

Women wait to vote in Benghazi. Photo by Megan Doherty.

Voters turned out in ample numbers in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi to elect 41 members to the city’s local council. According to local election authorities, 441 candidates stood for election. While there were no reliable estimates of the size of Benghazi’s voting population, 200,000 citizens reportedly registered.

Local authorities declared a public holiday to encourage citizens to vote. At midday and afternoon prayers, imams in local mosques also urged people to participate in the polls and to vote their conscience. Security forces were deployed throughout the city and in front of polling stations to maintain order.

The vote followed a two-week campaign that saw candidates using posters, leaflets and, to a lesser extent, in-person gatherings to court voters. Some candidates complained that despite the two-week campaign period, the Benghazi local election commission did not share official candidate and campaign regulations until one week before election day.

With Elections in Sight, Libyans Concerned About Security, Country's Direction

As the political transition proceeds in Libya, leaders continue to struggle to meet public expectations on key issues such as security, political reform and standard of living, according to a new public opinion study by NDI.

From April 10 - 20, the Institute examined citizens' opinions through 12 focus groups in six cities across Libya. The research took place two months before anticipated elections for a national public congress, which will be tasked with overseeing the drafting of a new constitution. Libyans view the approaching elections with great enthusiasm.

Why Libya Matters

mglauberman — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:19:53 +0000

Source:

Foreign Policy

Article Link:

Published Date:

05/22/2012

Giulio Terzi writes about why Libya’s stability is in the interest of the entire international community and outlines the challenges in establishing a sustainable, democratic system. He argues that only through democratic governance can the demands and needs of the Libyan people be met. A stable Libya could also be a “positive agent for regional cooperation and integration.” Libya has already normalized and improved relations with its neighbors including Egypt, Tunisia and, recently Algeria. Terzi points out that “a democratic Libya, closely anchored to international Euro-Atlantic institutions, could become an important partner in the common fight against international terrorism, piracy, and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.” Describing Libya as a “special case” because it’s oil rich, scarcely populated, and does not present immediate proclivity towards Islamic radicalism, he outlines the major challenges for Libya’s democratic transition, including holding elections and keeping the population secure. To tackle these challenges, Terzi calls on the international community to strengthen border security, invest in training and education programs for the country’s youth, and “integrate the new democratic Libya more closely with Euro-Atlantic institutions.”

Libya’s Path Ahead is Unclear as Elections Loom

fgalleto — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:19:56 +0000

Source:

Washington Post

Article Link:

Published Date:

05/22/2012

Writing in the Washington Post, Anne Applebaum reports on Libya’s stability as they near the June elections. Applebaum describes the dangers in Janzour, the former Libyan Naval Academy that is now home to more than 2,000 refugees displaced by the Libyan revolution. A few of these refugees, from the town of Tawergha, joined the regime’s soldiers last summer and are now fearful of retaliation and attack by the anti-Gaddafi opposition known as the Misrata militia. The Misrata militia has threatened to murder any Tawerghans who return to their town and have legitimized their threats through bombarding people’s homes. Applebaum describes that the Tawerghans, like so many other issues in Libya, remains overlooked and unsolved under the Transitional National Council and provisional government.

And, while many are looking to the June elections for solutions to these critical problems, Applebaum argues that the power vacuum has lent itself to some positive developments, particularly the emergence of a civil society. In fact, with the help of a brand new charity, the Libyan Housing Authority, journalists are gaining more access to Janzour, giving a necessary voice to the refugees and those fearful of violence by Misrata militia.

With Elections in Sight, Libyans Concerned about Security, Country's Direction

fgalleto — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:49:36 +0000

From April 10-20, the Institute examined citizens’ opinions through 12 focus groups in six cities across Libya. The research took place two months before anticipated elections for a national public congress (NPC), which will be tasked with overseeing the drafting of a new constitution. Libyans view the approaching elections with great enthusiasm.

Young Libyans in Benghazi celebrate Liberation Day. Photo by Megan Doherty.

NDI’s research was designed to capture citizen sentiments about the political landscape and expectations for the next phase of Libya’s transition. Here are some key findings:

In general, Libyans are concerned that the goals of the 2011 revolution have not yet been realized and that progress is too slow. The most commonly cited areas of apprehension relate to security and the complicated, opaque political environment. Some respondents cite reasons for optimism, such as the flourishing of civil society, new freedoms and small improvements in local security.
Libyans are enthusiastic to participate in elections for the first time, seeing voting as a fundamental right and a vital act of self-expression. Awareness of the upcoming elections, however, is low, and may, with other barriers such as security, dampen voter turnout. Citizens want more information about the electoral process and political contestants.
Opinions about political parties have improved considerably compared to a prior study conducted by NDI in November 2011. Though still hampered by decades of negative propaganda during the reign of ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi, political parties are beginning to convince citizens of their positive contributions to the transition.
Support remains consistent for moderate Islamic principles in the political sphere; most Libyans want and expect Islam to play a role in political life. They struggle to define a cohesive picture of moderate Islam, but often point to tolerance over extremism as a core principle.
Citizens expect to play a role in the constitution-drafting process, which will be led by the elected NPC. Expectations of the NPC are inflated, in part due to misunderstanding of the body’s projected roles and functions. Some respondents anticipate that the NPC will address issues like security, infrastructure and health, while in fact its mandate may be limited to overseeing constitution-drafting.
Widespread criticism of the National Transitional Council (NTC) and transitional national government (TNG) reflect the challenges these institutions face in addressing the public’s expectations and communicating with citizens. Libyans harbor concerns about the transitional government’s ineffectiveness, lack of transparency and susceptibility to corruption.

NDI relies on these findings to provide Libyan decision makers—in political parties, civil society organizations and the transitional government—with timely, relevant information on public opinion that can inform policies and make them more responsive to citizens’ interests and needs. The results of this study can be evaluated in comparison with the November 2011 qualitative public opinion research conducted by NDI in Libya.

Production of this report was made possible through funding from the State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

Related:

Published May 22, 2012

Building a New Libya: Citizen Views on Libya's Electoral and Political Processes

fgalleto — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:32:17 +0000

Author:

Megan Doherty

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

05/22/2012

Resource Type:

Focus Group Report

Language:

English

Attachment	Size
Read the report	1007.98 KB

For The First Time, Libyan Citizen Network Will Observe Elections

fgalleto — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:35:58 +0000

A coalition of civil society organizations from across Libya has launched the Shahed Network for election observation, the first citizen election monitoring effort ever attempted in the country.

At an April 23 press conference, the network announced its plans to recruit and train observers to monitor all aspects of the June 19 polls for a constituent assembly known as the National Public Conference. The group is working to deploy observers for voter registration in early May. Its goal is to recruit and train observers who will be present in 1,500 polling stations across Libya, for both voter registration and on election day.

A coalition of civil society organizations from across Libya has launched the Shahed Network for election observation, the first citizen election monitoring effort ever attempted in the country.

“Our witnessing of this process will provide citizens with confidence in their democratic elections,” said Abdul Karim Mahamed, chairman of the Shahed Network. “We look forward to the full cooperation of electoral bodies, political entities, candidates, security forces, civil society and the international community in the pursuit of peaceful and credible elections.”

Civil society groups have proliferated during the political transition underway in Libya since the ouster of Muammar Gaddafi in October. Many of them were created during last year's conflict to provide humanitarian assistance, and they are now hoping to contribute to a fair and transparent election process. In March, NDI convened 32 of these groups representing eight cities across the country for a conference on citizen election observation. Many of the network's leaders attended the conference.

Published April 26, 2012

For the First Time, Libyan Parties Meet to Discuss Elections

fgalleto — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:48:00 +0000

Representatives from 33 of Libya’s new political parties gathered in Tripoli March 1 to learn about the new law that will govern Libya’s first election in nearly 50 years. The late June vote for a constituent assembly will be the first time any of these parties will wage competitive campaigns, and how well they learn the rules of the game will help determine their success as they vie to shape the future of the country.

Dr. Lamin Belhadj, a member of the NTC Election Committee gives an interview with a local TV station.

The emergence of political parties is a new phenomenon in Libya. They were outlawed during Muammar Gaddafi’s 42-year rule and anyone who participated in a party was declared a traitor. Since Gaddafi’s ouster last October, dozens of parties have formed and will compete in elections.

Meeting in the hotel that once served as the center of Gaddafi’s propaganda machine, the NDI-organized event was the first opportunity for parties to interact with transition officials responsible for managing upcoming elections. The outcome of the voting will determine the membership of the 200-person National Public Conference (NPC), the body that will be charged with drafting a constitution and designing the institutions of Libya’s new democracy.

Lamin Belhadj, a member of the National Transitional Council Election Committee, discussed how the election law was drafted, its provisions and how they affect political parties. Three members of the High National Election Commission spoke about the body’s role and the need to begin a dialogue with political organizations. Members of both institutions took questions and comments from the audience.

The ensuing discussion addressed a number of issues including:

The need for transparency in the development of the election process;
The timeline for elections, including when parties and candidates will need to register;
The challenges of voter registration with no recent census or national identification system;
Special measures to ensure the participation of women;
Security considerations for candidates, party officials and voters;
Accreditation for domestic and international observers; and
Campaign regulations involving media access and finance.

Many agreed that the most important challenge will be raising awareness among average citizens about the election and the role of the NPC, which is unprecedented in the country’s history.

The event was also the first time so many parties were able to come together. “We had the opportunity to interact with a party we had not known before and found that we have a lot in common,” said the campaign manager for one party. “We’re now discussing ways that we may be able to work together.”

Related:

Published March 19, 2012

Constitutional Assembly Election Plans Explained and Debated in Tripoli | March 5, 2012

fgalleto — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:51:08 +0000

Libya Herald | Link to story »

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) held a workshop for political parties on 1 March at Tripoli’s Rixos Hotel, at which the specific date for the elections to the constituent assembly was announced. It is Wednesday 20 June.

According to the organisers, 32 parties were invited, including members of Libya’s Election Committee and Abdallah Naker’s newly-launched Al-Qimma (“The Pinnacle”) party.

Link to story »

Libyans Enthusiastic About Democratic Transition, Worried About Transparency in Government

fgalleto — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:06:56 +0000

Most Libyans are eager to exercise their newfound political freedoms and participate in shaping their country’s future, but they feel disadvantaged by their lack of exposure to democratic practices and have concerns about security and their economy, according to new public opinion research undertaken by NDI.

Libyans celebrate Liberation Day in Benghazi. Photo by Megan Doherty, NDI resident program officer.

The qualitative research project sampled citizens’ opinions through 16 focus groups in six cities in eastern, western and southern Libya from Nov. 12 to 28.

Following in the footsteps of neighboring Tunisia and Egypt, Libyans took to the streets in February calling for an end to Muammar Gaddafi’s 42-year regime and a transition to democracy. After a 10-month conflict, Libya’s transitional leaders declared the country liberated on Oct. 23 and initiated a political transition that calls for developing an electoral framework, holding elections for a constituent assembly and drafting a new constitution.

NDI’s research was designed to capture citizen sentiments about the political landscape and expectations for the future. Here are some key findings:

Although Libyans are optimistic, have high expectations for the future and believe the country is headed in the right direction, the initial euphoria over the revolution is becoming eclipsed by growing everyday concerns including security, the economy and persistent corruption.
Libyans have positive views about democracy, which they link closely to freedom of speech and participation in public debate. But while Libyans are eager to engage in civic and political life and elections, awareness of the election – expected next June – is low.
Libyans overwhelmingly agree that moderate Islamic principles should influence governance, but opinions vary on exactly what role religion should play in public life. There is consensus on the need to avoid extremism. Years of Gaddafi propaganda have tarnished the public image of democracy and political parties, yet Libyans are enthusiastic about learning about basic democratic principles and the transition roadmap. Libyans are also interested in political parties and eager to learn about their platforms.
While Libyans largely appreciate the role the National Transitional Council (NTC) played in managing the country during the revolutionary crisis, the council’s lack of transparency and failure to communicate information on its activities or the transition is creating a disconnect between transitional government and the public. It is clear that greater NTC attention to open communication and transparent decision-making are critical prerequisites for Libyans to believe that the transition is progressing.
Participants are broadly supportive of women playing roles in public life, but opinions vary about what type of engagement is best-suited to women. Women themselves are eagerly seeking opportunities to contribute to the transition and take part in politics.

Given the growing gap between transitional leaders and the public, the findings of this study are being used to inform Libyan decision-makers—in political parties, civil society organizations and the transitional government—about citizens’ attitudes and opinions to help them understand and respond to the needs and concerns of Libyans during the transition.

Production of this report was made possible through funding from the State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

Read more:

Published December 16, 2011

"Now We Have Hope," Citizen Views on Libya's Political Transition

fgalleto — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:37:05 +0000

Author:

Megan Doherty

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

12/16/2011

Resource Type:

Focus Group Report

Language:

English

Attachment	Size
Read the report (English)	1.1 MB
Read the report (Arabic)	1.29 MB

Libya Looks Cautiously Toward Elections | Nov. 11, 2011

fgalleto — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:01:25 +0000

Washington Post | Link to story »

In an improvised office daubed with revolutionary slogans, part of an appropriated complex in Tripoli that once housed Moammar Gaddafi’s cronies, rebel commander Muhammad Zintani contemplated his future.

Organizations such as the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems are helping nascent political and community groups and educating voters.

Link to story »

Middle East Activists, Albright and Isaacson Discuss What’s Next for the Arab Spring

rrunyan — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:22:02 +0000

A panel of political and civic activists from North Africa and the Middle East joined NDI Chairman Madeleine K. Albright and Walter Isaacson, president and CEO of the Aspen Institute, to discuss what’s next for the Arab Spring at an event hosted by NDI on Monday, Nov. 7.

Panelists from Bahrain, Egypt, Libya, Syria and Yemen participated in the discussion, led off by former Secretary of State Albright led off the discussion and moderated by Isaacson.

Walter Isaacson (left to right), Atia Lawgali and Sheikh Mohammed Abu Luhoum discuss their Arab Spring experiences. (Photo by Kaveh Sardari)

Watch CSPAN's coverage of the discussion»

The panel was followed by the NDI 2011 Democracy Award Dinner where Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered the keynote address.

Panelists from Bahrain, Egypt, Libya, Syria and Yemen participated in the discussion, led off by former Secretary of State Albright and moderated by Isaacson.

Panelists for the Arab Spring discussion were:

Atia Lawgali, who joined the National Transitional Council in Libya as Minister of Culture in May, previously served as manager of the Health Department Information Center in the Ministry of Health in Benghazi from 1988 to 2000;

Sheikh Mohammed Abu Luhoum, a prominent founding member of the recently formed Justice and Building Party, served as a member of parliament in Yemen's first legislature after North and South Yemen were unified in 1990. He was a founder of the Republican Party of Yemen in 1991;

Dr. Amal Habib Al Yusuf, a Bahraini civic activist and ophthalmic surgeon focusing on defending the rights of Bahraini patients and healthcare workers, was one of the doctors trapped in the main hospital in Bahrain during the siege by military forces last March;

Mohammad Al Abdallah, a Syrian lawyer, human rights activist and writer, formed the Committee for Families of Political Prisoners after his father and brother were arrested. He now writes for several English and Arabic newspapers and blogs;

Rafat Al Akhalim, a Yemeni youth activist, is a leader in Resonate! Yemen, an organization that promotes youth engagement on policy initiatives;

Dr. Muneera Fakhro is a Sunni candidate for parliament in Bahrain, where she has published three books and authored studies focusing on gender and democracy; and

Dr. Azza Kamel is the director of Appropriate Communication Techniques for Development, an Egyptian women’s rights group, has published numerous studies on gender equality and the impact of violence against women.

Related:

Middle East Activists, Albright and Isaacson to Discuss What's Next for the Arab Spring at NDI Event

fgalleto — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:22:09 +0000

Author:

National Democratic Institute

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

11/02/2011

Resource Type:

Press Release

Language:

English

Attachment	Size
Read the release	238.28 KB

Albright: Gadhafi's Death A 'Watershed Moment'

ntekeei — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:50:10 +0000

Source:

NPR Talk of the Nation

Article Link:

Published Date:

10/20/2011

On Oct. 20, former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed by rebel forces near his hometown of Sirtre. NDI Chairman Madeleine Albright talks to Neal Conan about what she says is an "important day" for both Libya and the "Arab Awakening" community. Albright also discusses the U.S. and NATO's involvement in Libya, where they joined together in air strikes against Gaddafi forces.

Libya

fgalleto — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:15:46 +0000

NDI is currently supporting the development of Libya’s nascent political parties and civil society organizations as they play greater roles in the emerging political transition. The Institute has worked with reform-minded Libyans since 2006.

Subscribe to updates about Libya

In the early days of the revolution, crowds gathered nightly in Benghazi to listen to political speakers. Photo by Maroun Sfeir, resident program officer in Egypt.

Political Context

In early 2011, Libyan citizens took to the streets, calling for an end to Muammar Gaddafi’s 42-year regime and for a transition to democracy. Protests were met by severe crackdowns, which prompted an international intervention to protect civilians with a UN‐mandated ‘no‐fly zone.’ The opposition-led National Transitional Council (NTC) established itself in February 2011 to prepare for a post-Gaddafi transition process. In August 2011, rebel forces launched an offensive that culminated in the capture of Tripoli, Libya’s capital, with other remaining holdouts falling in the next two months. The NTC released a draft interim constitution on Aug. 8, 2011, calling for elections by June 2012, for a constituent assembly tasked with writing a constitution. While transitional governing institutions tackle these issues, a diverse spectrum of newfound political parties and organizations are emerging to address a wide range of issues and to build grassroots support for their causes.

Past Programs

NDI conducted two political assessments to Libya in 2006 and in 2008, where delegates met with various government officials, lawyers, academics and activists in Tripoli and in Benghazi. The Institute began supporting reform-minded Libyans through off-shore programs in the areas of new media technology, political advocacy and women’s political participation. These gatherings afforded Libyan activists the opportunity to share experiences on common challenges in promoting political reform with colleagues from other countries across the region, including Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.

In 2009, NDI launched a North Africa regional initiative called “Youth of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow,” an intensive, year-long academy for emerging young women activists. Through the program, Libyan women were trained in leadership and strategic planning skills, which they applied toward advocacy projects in their communities. Academy participants across the region formed a network that continues to serve as a platform for sharing experiences and providing mutual support.

Civil Society Strengthening

In May 2011, NDI led a site visit to Benghazi, the opposition-controlled stronghold in eastern Libya. Drawing on ongoing relationships with Libyan reformers, the team met with a wide range of civic and political activists, academics and officials from the NTC. During the visit, the Institute led sessions on organizational development, strategic planning and goal-setting for emerging civic associations and shared practical manuals and guides in Arabic.

After opening offices in Libya in August 2011, the Institute has launched programs to assist a diverse group of civil society organizations as they assert their role as a bridge between citizens and government. In December 2011, NDI launched a civic education and community organizing initiative known as Citizen Libya, through which civil society organizations are providing citizens with information on democratic principles and the contours of the current transition. The Institute is also working with historically marginalized groups, including women, youth and ethnic minorities, as these groups attempt to organize and increase their representation in the new Libya.

Political Party Development

NDI’s programs aim to support newly created political parties as they compete for citizens’ support in a democratic Libya. Through workshops addressing a variety of subjects—including mission statements, party identity, platform development, internal organization, media relations and advocacy—NDI is preparing parties to assert their role in the transition. As transitional authorities consider frameworks for the upcoming elections, the Institute is facilitating parties’ efforts to engage in the electoral design process.

Transitional Governance

NDI has hosted members of the NTC in Washington, D.C. to meet with experts on the challenges of post-conflict societies, democratic transitions and electoral and constitutional design. Through these visits, the Institute has provided an opportunity for NTC members to articulate to policymakers their vision for Libya’s future, in particular the roadmap for elections and constitution drafting. The Institute also invited senior political experts to Libya to consult on planning for the transition and troubleshoot issues.

Contact Information

For more information about these programs, use our contact form or contact:

Washington, D.C.
Nicholas Collins, Program Officer
(202) 728-5699

Subscribe to updates about Libya

NDI - Libya

Notes from Benghazi: Local Elections

Women wait to vote in Benghazi. Photo by Megan Doherty.

With Elections in Sight, Libyans Concerned About Security, Country's Direction

Why Libya Matters

Libya’s Path Ahead is Unclear as Elections Loom

With Elections in Sight, Libyans Concerned about Security, Country's Direction

Young Libyans in Benghazi celebrate Liberation Day. Photo by Megan Doherty.

Building a New Libya: Citizen Views on Libya's Electoral and Political Processes

For The First Time, Libyan Citizen Network Will Observe Elections

For the First Time, Libyan Parties Meet to Discuss Elections

Dr. Lamin Belhadj, a member of the NTC Election Committee gives an interview with a local TV station.

Constitutional Assembly Election Plans Explained and Debated in Tripoli | March 5, 2012

Libyans Enthusiastic About Democratic Transition, Worried About Transparency in Government

Libyans celebrate Liberation Day in Benghazi. Photo by Megan Doherty, NDI resident program officer.

"Now We Have Hope," Citizen Views on Libya's Political Transition

Libya Looks Cautiously Toward Elections | Nov. 11, 2011

Middle East Activists, Albright and Isaacson Discuss What’s Next for the Arab Spring

Watch CSPAN's coverage of the discussion»

Middle East Activists, Albright and Isaacson to Discuss What's Next for the Arab Spring at NDI Event

Albright: Gadhafi's Death A 'Watershed Moment'

Libya

Read More

In the early days of the revolution, crowds gathered nightly in Benghazi to listen to political speakers. Photo by Maroun Sfeir, resident program officer in Egypt.

Political Context

Past Programs

Civil Society Strengthening

Political Party Development

Transitional Governance

Contact Information