Libya celebrates free vote

Key facts about Libya's historic election

Signage for Libya's General National Congress elections
Signage for Libya's General National Congress elections Photo: Reuters

Polls have opened in Libya's election for a 200-member General National Congress, the first nationwide vote since the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi.

Here are some key facts:

  • Eligible voters: 3.3 million
  • Registered voters: Almost 2.9 million.
  • Not eligible to vote: Officials from Gaddafi's regime.
  • Polls open from 8am to 8pm local time (7am-7pm BST).
  • Results expected within a week of voting.
The vote is designed to shake off the legacy of Muammar Gaddafi
The vote is designed to shake off the legacy of Muammar Gaddafi Credit: REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
  • Allocation of seats: 100 for Tripoli and the west, 60 for Benghazi and the east, 40 for south west.
  • Candidates seeking election: About 3,700, including 585 women
  • Main contenders: Muslim Brotherhood (Islamists), Al-Watan (Salafis and other Islamists), Alliance of National Forces (secular), National Front (veteran opposition to Gaddafi), National Centrist (former finance minister Ali Tarhouni).
  • Next steps: New Assembly appoints cabinet within 30 days. A second election for a 60-member body to write a new constitution. Referendum on constitution. Election for new parliament in 2013.

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