Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 11/2011

Extending Libya's Transitional Period: Capitalizing on the Constitutional Moment

Jason Gluck

September 2011

United States Institute of Peace

Abstract

The National Transitional Council (NTC) new Constitutional Declaration is a critical develop ment in Libya’s transition to democracy. But while most features of the document are very positive, the relatively short timeline for the transition may create significant challenges. The current road map provides 60 days for the drafting of the constitution, followed by approval by the National Public Conference (NPC) and then ratification by national referendum. Sixty days is an almost impossibly short time to research, examine, negotiate and draft the numerous constitutional issues that must be addressed in the permanent constitution.