Helping Democracy in Libya
Introduction
The concept of democracy emerged as a way of governance factoring in the power that all the people have to govern themselves directly or through elected officials to represent their voices. Most countries, such as Libya, have undergone many struggles to come out of poor leadership to establish democracy and uphold their leaders responsible.
The US aiding the implementation of democracy in Libya
The US should spend its money and military resources to aid new democracies like Libya. However, it should not do so directly by becoming involved in the democratic processes of the country. Such states need to maintain sovereignty over their political processes, and no other country should intervene to direct their operations. Instead, countries such as the US can support the establishment and foundation of democracy in Libya. These can happen through instances such as supporting and funding international organizations that can take more steps towards ensuring democracy in Libya. The activities that the US can undertake include offering training and technical support to political bodies such as the NTC (National Transition Council) while also engaging civil societies and the electoral authorities in the country. The country can also offer advice and direction for the transition government on the best steps towards reaching a democratic standard.
The US has a lot of investments in North Africa, and the stability of the political climate in the region is crucial to economic prosperity. Other interests lie in need of security in the area as the US combats the growing regional terrorist networks, the flow of arms into the Middle East, and the influx of refugees into Europe. Establishing democracy in Libya could ensure stability in the region, thus facilitating the emergence of democracies in other areas. As a result, the US can spend more resources on ensuring such successful transitions. It can use its funds to empower institutions such as the media to become more independent and representative of the needs of the people.
In the past, the US government implemented support for states in the Middle East through a top-down strategy that comprised diplomatically pressuring regimes and even installing their military to uphold the same. However, steps towards enacting and enforcing democracy should remain within the power of the transition government. They should be able to learn and accept support that directs them towards implementing democracy. Al-Ameri (2011) notes the wide-acceptance that the NTC has in the global sphere. This instance should push the body to actively facilitate a democratic Libya obeying universal human rights and the rule of law. The civil societies and other organizations within the country should facilitate awareness campaigns reaching out to the people. They should inform them about their rights and power to hold the government responsible. Al-Ameri states the need to teach the people that the NTC members in governance serve them and not rulers over their lives.
Conclusion
Despite the need for state sovereignty and the power to govern oneself, Libya’s position in the volatile North African region stands to affect more than itself. The country’s successful implementation of a functioning democracy stands to benefit more than Libya only. As a result, countries like the US can offer more help and resources to facilitate such a transition. However, the US should not take over NTC in bringing about democracy, but only provide support where needed. These include such areas as facilitating the training of the NTC members who are inexperienced and also ensuring they understand the values of accountability and responsibility.
References
Al-Ameri. A. (2011). As Gaddafi’s reign ends, the work of creating democracy in Libya begins. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/aug/23/gaddafi-democracy-libya