Forging a democracy from Libya's jamahiriya

Abstract

Even as Libya's revolutionaries battle to secure control over the final pro-Gadhafi strongholds within the country, steps have begun to try to ensure a peaceful transition to democracy. There have been promising signs; the rebels' National Transitional Council (NTC) has published a draft constitution, set limits on its own claims to power, gained broad international recognition and been granted access to funds to help stabilise the immediate situation. However, many significant challenges remain on the road to a just, stable and durable state, after 42 years of Muammar Gadhafi's dictatorship.