A report by the US-based organization Freedom House has ranked Libya as the ninth-worst country globally in terms of freedoms, classifying it as a “Not Free” state.
The Freedom House report, which assessed 100 countries, placed Libya among the 40 worst nations for political freedoms and ranked it eighth among the 60 worst for civil liberties.
According to the report, Libya received a score of zero regarding citizens’ ability to elect the current head of government or any other key national authority through free and fair elections. The country continues to suffer from internal divisions and intermittent conflicts since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
The organization further highlighted that opposition forces in Libya lack any real opportunity to gain support or acquire power through elections. Additionally, citizens are excluded from political affairs, which are dominated by armed factions, foreign governments, oil interests, smuggling networks, and non-political forces.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
