Legitimacy deficit will define Libya elections

Significance

The Paris Conference on Libya on November 12 presented a superficial show of international consensus in support of elections. However, reports indicate growing worries about the risk of rushing to elections.

Impacts

• Candidates for the presidency and parliament will campaign in their regions, but will not present clear policy programmes.
• The political challenge to the legal basis for elections will not reach any clear conclusion or prevent the elections taking place.
• The likelihood of voter fraud and intimidation by armed groups will prevent the elections being regarded as free and fair.