“Elections in Libya: July 7 General National Congress Elections”

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems has released a guide to the upcoming Libyan election which provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the legal framework, voter registration, polling and counting, out-of-country voting, and complaints.

From July 3-7 Libyans in-country and in the diaspora will elect a 200-member General National Congress (GNC), which will replace the current National Transitional Council (NTC). One of the chief mandates of the GNC will be to appoint a 60-member body responsible for drafting and approving a new constitution once it is submitted to a national referendum. All Libyan citizens who are at least 18 years of age, unaffiliated with any military institutions, and who have not been convicted of certain felonies or misdemeanors are eligible to vote. Internally displaced persons have the legal right to vote, as well, with special accomodations made to assist them in voting.

At the first session of the GNC, the NTC will be dissolved, and a president of the body and two deputies will be elected by secret ballot. In no more than 30 days after the first session, the GNC will appoint a prime minister and propose names for the Cabinet, who will need two-thirds approval to be appointed.