ABSTRACT
This chapter provides some background to the current Libyan transition. It analyses the design of the overall transition and the design and implementation of the constitution-drafting process in relation to public participation. Libyan civil society activists were also targeted by kidnapping and assassination campaigns. The design of the Libyan transitional process was problematic in many regards. Under the rules of procedure, thematic committees were tasked to establish a plan for outreach to citizens and civil society organizations. The chapter presents some reflections on the nascent Libyan civil society and its role in the constitutional process, and addresses the role of international actors in promoting public participation. The rules of procedure did provide some guidance for the information of the public on the constitution-making process – however, only with regards to the final draft constitution. The election of the Constitution-Drafting Assembly on 20 February 2014 reflected a certain "democratic fatigue": voters were disillusioned with the whole political process.
