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Transition of power in Libya

In August, Libya’s National Transitional Council (NTC) handed over power to the new, democratically elected assembly. This is the first peaceful transition after more than 40 years of rule by the late Col. Muammar Gaddafi.

The NTC was the political arm of the rebellion that toppled Gaddafi, and officially assumed power after the regime was overthrown. The General National Congress, which was elected in last month’s ballot, will choose a new interim government to take over from the NTC, and rule the country until fresh elections can be held. The former opposition leader Mohammed Magarief has already been elected for interim president. New elections will be necessary as soon as the new constitution is valid. This new constitution is to be drafted by a constituent authority of 60 members. Libyans elected a legislative assembly of party and independent representatives in July, in their first free vote since a popular uprising last year escalated into a civil war that ended with the death of Muammar Gaddafi. (my)

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