On Tuesday the UN Security Council issued a statement praising the elections in Libya last Saturday. In the statement, the Security Council sees the elections as a milestone in Libya’s democratic transition. The Security Council thanked the Libyan government for supporting the UN Mission in Libya and hoped that it will continue to help Libya during its transitional period. This includes drafting a constitution, protecting human rights, restoring public security, and coordinating the international community.

Libya’s High National Electoral Commission announced on Monday the preliminary result of the national congress elections. It indicated that the National Forces Alliance, headed by former Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril, is leading with over 50 thousand votes so far. The turnout in the election was more than 60 percent. Libya’s new 200-seat Congress, will be tasked with electing a new government to replace the National Transitional Council, and draft a new constitution, to be put to a nationwide referendum.