UN envoy says women participation vital for building new Libya

New York, US (PANA) -  The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Mr. Ian Martin, has stressed the importance of the equal participation of women in rebuilding the country.

According to a UN statement made available to PANA here Wednesday, Mr. Martin commended the number of women who have registered to vote and to stand for election in the upcoming legislative polls.

PANA reports that some 2.7 million people in the North African nation have registered to vote
for members of a new National Congress, which will be tasked with drafting a new constitution
for Libya.

The polls, which are scheduled to be held on 7 July, will be the first free elections in decades
in Libya, since the demise of Muammar Khadaffi, who ruled for more than 40 years until a
pro-democracy uprising last year led to civil war and the deposing of his regime.

''The new Libya provides a new opportunity for Libyan women to articulate your political, economic and social aspirations,'' Martin said.

It said that the envoy made the remarks at an event held on Monday in the capital, Tripoli,
to celebrate women’s participation in the electoral process.

''If women have equal opportunities to fulfil their political and socio-economic role, this contributes to development, democracy, nation-building and peace for all Libyans,'' he added.

PANA learnt that over 600 women candidates are standing for election next month.

Martin congratulated them, saying they are role models not just for the women and girls of Libya, but also for the many people who will be watching them across the globe.
-0- PANA AA/SEG 27June2012