By Michel Cousins and Ahmed Elumami.
Tripoli, 5 May 2013:
The General National Congress today passed the Political Isolation Law banning anyone who . . .[restrict]held a senior post during the 42-year Qaddafi era from holding office in Libya for the next 10 years.
The full consequences of the vote have yet to be digested, but it is expected to result in a number of major Libyan figures being removed from office including Congress President Mohamed Magarief and the Grand Mufti, Sheikh Sadeq Ghariani. Some members of Congress are also expected to be forced out.
The law was voted on clause by clause. Each was massively approved, although by slightly differing figures.
The session was chaired by Deputy Congress President Juma Ateega who many expect now to become Congress president. The incumbent president, Mohamed Magarief, had said that he should not be present because it could influence the decision of members, given that his position was in question. He served who served as Libyan ambassador in India until 1980 when he joined the opposition. All Qaddafi-era ambassadors are among those now unable to hold office.
Prime Minister Ali Zeidan also served in the embassy in India but was not an ambassador and so is not affected by the law.
Congress’ decision was greeted by spontaneous celebratory gunfire and cars blaring horns in Tripoli. [/restrict]
