Libya took a major step towards democracy this year byholding its first free elections but success has been marred by risingextremism, failure to disband militias and delays in forming stateinstitutions. And facing tribal conflicts, threats from former regime backersand high social demands, the new authorities seem not sure where to turn next,one year after deposed dictator Mohammad Gaddafi was captured and killed in hishome town.
"Libya passed the first test of democracy by electing anational assembly after more than 42 years of totalitarianism," saidLibyan analyst Nasser al-Daessy, referring to the General National Congresselected in July. "But the political situation is still shaky in Libya andwe must urgently reach a political consensus to rebuild the institutions of thestate."
But Gaddafi has left behind a grim legacy: a country withoutinstitutions as well as a weak army and police force, which have been eclipsedby militias that looted weapons depots during the war. Gaddafi's diehardsupporters remain a threat, with Tripoli periodically accusing remnants of theformer regime of trying to spread chaos and derail the democratic process.
Former rebels, who were once hailed as heroes and in somecases joined nascent law enforcement organs in the aftermath of the 2011conflict, are now facing a backlash from a population angry over the uncheckedpower of armed groups. Citizens want to see security in the hands of aprofessional army and police.
Prime Minister elect Ali Zeidan, who was elected this weekby the national assembly, faces no easy task forming a government capable oftackling security and winning the confidence of rival political and regionalfactions. The new assembly, which is still learning the ropes of democracy, hasbeen so busy putting out fires since it came into power that it has neglectedits chief task of drafting a constitution to govern future elections.
