Libya Free Elections In Misrata First Since Fall Of Gaddafi

[tabatha]

MISRATA, Libya (AP) — Four months after the death of Moammar Gadhafi*, the people of Misrata were frustrated by stalled reforms. They played a key role in overthrowing the Libyan dictator of 42 years, and were impatient to see the changes they shed blood for.

Revolutionaries accused the self-appointed city council that came to power early in the uprising of deeply rooted corruption, allegations which the council head denied. They staged a sit-in on the council's steps, got the members to resign and call new elections, which were held on Monday.**

The vote was the first experiment in real democracy anywhere in Libya, and the fact that it happened here only demonstrated the newfound clout of Misrata, Libya's third-largest city, on the national political scene.

"This is a turn in Libya from suppression and dictatorship to democracy," said Abdullah al-Kabir, a political commentator in Misrata. "Libya has never known real elections."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/20/libya-free-elections-misrata_n_1289156.html

*Wow, that was fast. I could make comparisons, but I won't. Looks well organized, transparent and anything but chaotic.
** Democracy in action!

[ellisonz]

1. Good news.