Libya passes ban on Gadhafi-era officials

         
Protesters took to the streets in support of a new law banning officials who served under ousted dictator Moammar Gadhafi from government posts.         

The Political Isolation Law injects a new dose of uncertainty into Libyan politics during a still-fragile transition and could push many of the country's new leaders from office.

Thousands of Libyans in Tripoli celebrated in the streets after the law was passed, waving the country's new flag that was the symbol of rebel fighters during the devastating eight-month 2011 civil war.          

Bubaker Alswalhi, a protester, said even id people had defected from the former regime, "we tell them thank you but we need new people."           

The new law comes at a time when the government is struggling to rein in militias and politicians are grappling with a weak central government and lawlessness.         

Its backers say it is necessary to complete the 2011 revolution against Gadhafi, who was captured and killed at the hands of rebels fighting him.           

Critics charge that the law is too broad, and that its vague wording could force out people like the prime minister who held fairly minor posts during Gadhafi's more than 40-year rule.         

Many of these officials played a key role during the uprising that overthrew Gadhafi.          

The General National Congress, Libya's elected parliament, voted overwhelmingly in favour of the law. Out of 200 lawmakers, 169 attended the vote.           

Notably absent from the voting was the head of Congress, Mohammed al-Megarif, who may be ousted under the new law.          

Prime Minister Ali Zidan, who served as a diplomat under Gadhafi, may also be among those affected.             

Parliamentary spokesman Omar Hmedan said after a live broadcast of the vote that a committee will be formed to see how the new law affects current senior officials. 

"Today was an historic meeting," he said. "Today the General Congress has approved the Law and we congratulate ourselves and the Libyan people."          

The law could also affect a number of ambassadors, heads of governmental agencies and companies, as well as a number of elected lawmakers, among others.             


AP