Source: Tripoli Post
The much awaited Libyan election is now finally coming to materialize, hopefully without any change in schedule, on July 7, 2012, the first of its kind in almost half-a century. It is indeed a memorable event… a moment of celebration.

In fact, people have been waiting for the remarkable event since long. Even during the era of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, public secretly desired to see it happening, but then that was a dream far away from collective aspiration.

The postponement of the landmark elections for the country's constituent assembly, initially slated to be held on June 19, had caused a little disappointment, but soon the announcement of the date for the elections on July 7 had all the reasons for public to smile.

People from every walk of life have come into actions, and now they are gearing up to join in for the historical day. It is as if life were coming to resume after a pause.

With election campaign on full swing all over the country, Libya is witnessing a defining line between its disgraceful past and glorious future. It is engaged in all its pursuits to make old Libya look completely different from the new one.

The past of Libya is dominated by the only shadow of a disgraced dictator whose photograph was seen hanging everywhere…from the airport to the bus station, from the hospital to college, and from the local shops in the villages to high-rise buildings in the cities. The adornment of his picture with high-closed-fist hand emanated more from fear than from any sort of respect.

The present of Libya, in contrast, is marked by magnifying photographs of common individuals in the election campaign, and instills in public a sense of confidence to breathe and live.

For the first time in history of modern Libya, people are debating openly about the future of their destiny. All sorts of illustrious campaigns are in the air.

The posters like ‘With Knowledge, We will Make our Nation Progress’, ‘ The Glorious Future of Libya’ and ‘Hand in Hand for the Brighter Future of Libya’ characterize the throbbing pulse of Libyan people for a change.

Hundreds of catchphrases draw our attention as we pass by the streets and the shops. They are to be noticed on the wall, on the big banner across the road, and at times on the window pane of the running cars glorifying the moments of election enthusiasm.

The candidates are trying hard to convince masses to elect them to serve better. They are employing all their resources to prevail over the hearts and minds with promises of ‘A New Libya’, i.e, ‘Libya Al-Jadeedah’ to the public.

The electioneering groups are really making democracy reach every door of Libya, and the whole process is making public feel privileged about the participation in the making of a political revolution. They are proud to have a role in state-building.

Democracy, indeed, has become the talk of the day. At tea shops, farm houses, offices or restaurants, the atmosphere is abuzz with the pulsating gossip of election campaigns.

The fair sex are also not far behind the scene. With the slogan “my voice for her”, a nation-wide campaign for the support of women candidates in the upcoming elections, they are coming out of the four walls to take part in the future of a new Libya.

Five hundred women candidates are likely to participate in the National Assembly elections…a sign of optimism for liberal democracy to triumph.

Libya is writing a new history in terms of handing over power to the representatives of the public. This is, indeed, a wonderful opportunity for the common man to have a direct say in the affairs of governance.

With elections fever reaching high each passing day, it seems, a citizen of Libya will cross the ocean to fight for democracy to survive in the country.

It is hoped that elections bring an end to all troubles for the people in Libya. It is expected that lovers of wisdom hold power to decide the future course of the nation and work for the common cause.

• Libya