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NDIs programs in Libya strengthen the ability of the countrys nascent political parties, elected representatives and civil society organizations (CSOs) to participate in the transition process.

NDIs political parties program provides a range of assistance to parties from across the political spectrum. Despite being illegal for decades under Gaddafi and King Idris, there are now dozens of parties operating openly in Libya. In multiparty workshops and one-on-one consultations, NDI assists parties to develop platforms, draft bylaws that promote internal democracy, and communicate effectively with citizens. For example, NDI led a series of academies to empower women and youth members of political parties, and facilitated a series of local dialogues between party members, civil society representatives, local leaders and ordinary citizens to help both parties and citizens understand the role of parties in Libyas political transition.

When early indications from transitional leaders suggested that parties could be excluded from the GNC elections, NDI convened a diverse group of party leaders to identify common interests and collaboratively demand to participate in the electoral process. Ultimately, 80 of the 200 seats in the GNC were reserved for candidates on political party lists.

In preparation for the July 2012 GNC elections, the Institute provided technical advice to parties as they crafted issue-based platforms and messages, and developed campaign strategies. In May 2012, NDI organized training academies for women candidates for the GNC; four of the women who participated in these trainings were ultimately elected. As election day approached, NDI partnered with the United Nations to convene 35 leading political parties to negotiate and sign a 14-point code of conduct. The parties committed themselves to abide by electoral regulations and disavow violence.

To assist parties to better respond to citizens priorities, the Institute has conducted regular focus group research and public opinion polls. NDI shares the findings of these studies with political parties to assist them in developing platforms and outreach strategies.

NDI is providing assistance to newly created CSOs that encourage broader public participation in the political process. NDIs assistance is focused on election observation, political process monitoring and advocacy. The Institute works in particular with historically marginalized groups, including women, young people and ethnic minorities, who are organizing to increase their representation in Libyan politics. Responding to the deficit of public knowledge and understanding about democracy and the transition process, NDI partnered with CSOs across the country to launch Citizen Libya, a pilot civic education program to raise citizen awareness of democratic norms and the transition process. As the GNC elections approached, the Institute partnered with CSOs across the country to organize voter education activities, including a targeted initiative encouraging women to vote.

In July 2012, volunteer-driven CSOs observed and reported on voting in polling stations during the country's first national election in decades. As part of this effort, NDI offered regular training and technical support to three networks of Libyan CSOs who together deployed 3,650 activists to observe voting in all 13 of the countrys constituencies. Each network issued statements that assessed the elections as generally free and transparent, while offering recommendations for improving future elections. With guidance from NDI, a coalition of CSOs formed in mid-2013 to observe the upcoming national election for a constitution-drafting body.

Following a decision by the GNC to elect a constitution-drafting assembly (CDA) in the summer of 2013, NDI convened a group of Libyan CSOs to form a domestic election observation coalition called the Libyan Network to Promote Democracy (LNPD). NDI provided technical assistance to the LNPD as it prepared to observe the CDA election including training and deploying volunteer observers and conducting a pre-election assessment of the CDA electoral law. The LNPD deployed 560 observers during the CDA elections and supplemental polling day and later issued a statement assessing the conduct of polling.

To draw decision-makers attention to issues important to youth, the Institute also supported the creation of a nationwide network of young Libyans advocating for a role for young people in drafting the countrys constitution; the network convinced 120 candidates to sign a pledge supporting youth representation. In addition, NDI continues to organize regular trainings for its CSO partners on organizational development, strategic planning, civic education, and advocacy in advance of the expected 2015 constitutional referendum.

After the July 2012 elections, NDI began offering basic, introductory support to GNC leadership, members and staff to set precedents for improved governance. NDI has conducted a series of workshops for GNC members on their representation, executive oversight and lawmaking duties. NDI also organized a series of roundtable discussions in cities and towns across the country between GNC members and their constituents. These discussions improved public understanding of the GNCs work and provided a platform for citizens to directly communicate with their elected representatives. In partnership with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR),NDI held a series of local radio broadcasts during which GNC members debated national and local issues and responded to citizens questions. The Institute is also assisting women GNC members to fulfill their responsibilities as elected representatives, to strengthen the womens caucus within the congress, and to partner with civil society to promote womens participation more broadly in Libyan politics.

For more information about these programs, use our contact formor contact:

Malta

Julie Hughes, Resident Country Director

Washington, D.C.

David Rolfes, Senior Advisor

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Libya | NDI