Brussels, 09/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Saturday 7 July, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle welcomed the elections held for the National General Congress in Libya where, “in spite of reports of isolated incidents of violence, Libyan citizens cast their votes today and have decided their future in a dignified and orderly manner”. The EU leaders also congratulated and paid homage to the Libyan people “and their peaceful struggle for their rights and democratic aspirations”. Ashton and Füle described these first free general elections as “truly historic elections for the Libyan National Congress” which “should mark the beginning of a new era of democracy in Libya”.
The two leaders underlined the EU's determination to strengthen its commitment with Libya as a “key neighbour” of Europe.
Without waiting for the official results of the elections, Liberals from the Alliance of National Forces announced that in most of the constituencies they were ahead of their main rival, the Party for Justice and Construction set up by the Muslim Brotherhood. Of the 2.8 million voters due to vote 1.6 million actually did so, which constitutes a 60% voter turnout rate. Forecasts focused on the 80 MPs elected by proportional representation. For the 120 seats reserved for independent candidates, voting trends were expected to remain the same. (CG/transl.fl)