An official of the U.S.-based Carter Center poll monitoring delegation said the group is pleased with the organization of Libya’s first election in over four decades. Alexander Bick, field director of the Carter Center’s mission in Tripoli, said the poll observer group is encouraged by the level of participation by Libyan voters in the just ended poll. “The High National Election Commission has really done a remarkable job…Many people were wondering, ‘Would Libya be able to hold elections on this very tight timeframe, just coming out of the conflict and with really no history of elections being practiced here,’” said Bick. “I can say with confidence that we’ve been very impressed with the performance of the electoral commission, by the organizational ability that they’ve shown, by their commitment to hold this election on time. The materials were largely delivered to all the polling places and even against quite challenging odds.”
U.S. President Barack Obama hailed Libya’s first free election in decades, calling it another milestone in the country’s transition to democracy. In a statement late Saturday, Obama extended his congratulations to Libya on behalf of the American people.
Bick praised Libyans who voted in the election. “Libyans showed the degree of enthusiasm that I don’t think I have seen anywhere else…registration here was a very successful process…On election day, people waited in line patiently and just showed a level of enthusiasm that I think is a model for the world,” said Bick.
Full Article: Carter Center Observers Encouraged With Libya Vote.