Elections in Libya: A Troubled Democratic Transition

The democratic transition in Libya may be in peril because of an escalating, multidimensional crisis in the country. The crisis’ internationalized nature has undermined domestic stability, with many countries vying for influence and the spoils of war. These rivalries have seeped into an election process that was originally envisaged to be a method for attaining legitimacy. Instead, it is in danger of being hijacked, which would consolidate division and increase the risks of relapse into conflict. A delay to December’s elections, an extension of the transitional period, and divided institutions are again possible, recycling old developments. Ultimately, given the urgency of elections, a representative transition needs to be facilitated in Libya for overdue stability and development.