Freedom and Government Accountability – the New Civil Society in Libya

Hiba Khalil (1 Libya Foundation, Libya) and Khaled Attwibi (LAD, Libya) first presented the context in which the Libyan revolution started, and the results and changes to the system which came into existence following the revolution.

Hiba talked about the last two years and the worked of newely formed civil society. In Libya, first democratic elections were held, where 200 MPs were elected, forming a transitional government. Monitoring and execution of the elections went with the heavy influence of the international community. Civil society in Libya failed to raise awareness among the citizens and providing information and education to the people and their role in the new system. Since it is still in its infancy, civil society in Libya is still learning what their role and responsibility in the society should be.

As one of bad examples of governance in Libya, she mentioned the Political Isolation Law, which was passed by the militia despite protests from the citizens. This law forbids any of politicians involved with the previous regime to run for public positions for the next ten years.

She spoke also of the Civil Society Constitution Initiative, which tries to ensure that drafting of the constitution is made on basis of the three principles – that the process is participatory, inclusive and transparent.

Khaled mentioned that CSOs in Libya are currently focused on two main points – educating and informing the society – and that they still have a lot of work in front of them.