Libya faces first post-Gaddafi poll
Reuters
2012-07-06
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Jumping through hoops - quite literally.
The Libyan Special Forces show off their readiness to keep the peace during the country's first elections since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.
And polling stations are readying themselves for Saturday when voters will select an assembly to choose a replacement for the interim government and to help draft a constitution.
For many the occasion is a cause for celebration.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) RESIDENT OF TRIPOLI, SADAT AL BADRI, SAYING:
"Really, Saturday will be a special day in the history of Libya. It is the conclusion of dozens of years of sacrifice. I hope that all Libyans will go to polling stations."
Some 80 percent of eligible voters have put their names down. That's around 2.7 million people.
Arab League observers say the Election Commission has met all international standards.
But the credibility of the result will be questionable if voters are too scared to turn out or if post-vote disputes turn bloody.
Lily Grimes, Reuters
The Libyan Special Forces show off their readiness to keep the peace during the country's first elections since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.
And polling stations are readying themselves for Saturday when voters will select an assembly to choose a replacement for the interim government and to help draft a constitution.
For many the occasion is a cause for celebration.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) RESIDENT OF TRIPOLI, SADAT AL BADRI, SAYING:
"Really, Saturday will be a special day in the history of Libya. It is the conclusion of dozens of years of sacrifice. I hope that all Libyans will go to polling stations."
Some 80 percent of eligible voters have put their names down. That's around 2.7 million people.
Arab League observers say the Election Commission has met all international standards.
But the credibility of the result will be questionable if voters are too scared to turn out or if post-vote disputes turn bloody.
Lily Grimes, Reuters
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