Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

The troubled path from dictator to democracy

By Julie Bishop - posted Thursday, 14 June 2012


No dominant opposition group that could command the authority and respect of the populace has emerged, because no such group could have existed under Gaddafi's rule.

This leadership vacuum has meant that a central government authority is battling to maintain control, and armed militias have taken hold of parts of the country.

There is no clear pathway to a functioning democracy.

Advertisement

The national elections to be held on 7 July face enormous logistical challenges, which is unsurprising given that the country has not faced an election in 50 years.

There are also ructions in Egypt as it attempts to transition from the dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak to civilian democracy.

Unlike Libya, significant elements of the Mubarak/military regime remain intact and are seeking to influence the transition process, raising concerns whether the country can truly be free of the old regime.

There is growing disquiet about the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood as it appears to be the only organisation, not associated with the regime, with the capacity to fill the breach in national leadership.

In some respects, the Brotherhood's resilience is remarkable, but it may be just a reflection of the organisation's inherent fanaticism that has sustained it under the pressure of a dictatorship.

It may transpire that the organisations with the most fanatical foundations will be the best equipped to win elections and take the reins of national leadership.

Advertisement

Therein lies the conundrum for the international community.

If steps are taken to overthrow a dictator, the result may be a transfer of power to more radical and unpredictable elements that may be hostile to the interests of those countries supporting intervention.

This is by no means unusual in the history of world affairs.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. 3
  5. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

20 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Julie Bishop is the Federal Member for Curtin, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Julie Bishop

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Julie Bishop
Article Tools
Comment 20 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy