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April 5th, Tripoli’s democratically elected Constitution Drafting Assembly members presented their vision of what the constitution making process should look like, and addressed questions posed by Networker guests. Two of the five assembly members chose to decline the invitation just minutes before the event, presumably out [...]]]> http:/

April 5th, Tripoli’s democratically elected Constitution Drafting Assembly members presented their vision of what the constitution making process should look like, and addressed questions posed by Networker guests. Two of the five assembly members chose to decline the invitation just minutes before the event, presumably out of a desire to remain out of the spotlight until they are more acquainted with their new position.  Former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Mustafa Abushagour, and independent member of congress, Mr. Musa Faraj had been attending as guests when they kindly accepted an invitation to join the panel at the request of other guests.

The lively discussion was one of the first public appearances of elected CDA members and explored some of the most contentious topics in the constitution, giving rise to some heated debates. The Tripoli CDA members emphasized a public will to ensure a central role for Islamic Sharia in the constitution, as well as explicit protections of the rights and freedoms of all citizens with emphasis on women and minorities. Dr. Mustafa Abushagour emphasized the importance of distinguishing between demands for federalism and a call for greater decentralization, the later being a desire shared by all Libyans.

Once the floor was opened to questions and discussion several guests representing a wide range of constituencies, including student unions, minority groups and youth, presented their hopes for the constitution. The open forum stimulated a discussion on what is a “right” and what is an unsustainable privilege of residing in an oil rich state.

The event ended in a roof-top dinner reception where guests continued the dialogue.