4 - The Libyan National Transition Council

Summary

This chapter offers a brief historical overview, then describes the formation and work of the Libyan National Transition Council, or NTC. Unlike the TPA, the NTC became an interim government even as the ancien régime was still in place. It formed soon after the anti-authoritarian protests began and aimed to coordinate the defeat of the Qadhafi government and oversee day-to-day governance. The NTC needed to establish itself as a legitimate body which could ensure the representation of the Libyan people by facilitating democratic elections. In so doing, it took many actions and decisions, including recruiting membership, organizing itself, securing international assistance, developing a roadmap, coordinating the defeat of Qadhafi, and preparing for and overseeing elections. Each of these acts would have repercussions in the transitional phases to come.