Trends in post-poll Libya suggest that Islamists are on the verge of a defeat. A moderate alliance headed by former interim Prime Minister, Mahmood-Jibal looks to be set for grabbing power. The Islamists had won in Morocco, Tunisia and even in Egypt. But the reverses in Libya indicate an Islamist slide-back. However, a sweeping generalization will be premature. Each country has its own reasons for leading Islamists to victory or a setback, with an impact on political leaders. In Libya, Islamists seemed to lack ambition. Besides, the tyranny of Muammar Gaddafi had alienated the people from the Islamic parties. The latter tried to strike a deal with the Gaddafi regime and that made them all the more unpopular. The opponents are not truly secular either. Jibal projects himself as a devout Muslim and denies the image that the western media had created for him. No wonder the people opted for Jibal’s coalition which comprises forty parties, NGOs and independents. Such a coalition caters to a motley group of interests.
Islamists will nevertheless continue their fight for power. The Justice and Construction Party, the Libyan arm of the Muslim Brotherhood is trying to wean away independents to secure a majority. The winning coalition will continue some of the conservative policies of Gaddafi such as prohibition and legalized polygamy. The threat of secession is the real challenge to it, not the introduction of Islamic laws. That is further compounded by continuing ethnic and tribal violence undermining liberailism.
