WAM Abu Dhabi, Jul 21, 2012 (WAM)--Libya is experiencing a decisive moment in its history as it has concluded the election of its National Assembly.

"This is an important step given what the country has experienced since the fall of the previous regime. Now that the political process is in motion, the focus should be on nation-building and the development process", opined English language local daily, Gulf News, in its editorial on Saturday.

It added that the win of the National Forces Alliance (NFA), led by former interim leader Mahmoud Jibril is an indication of the choice of the Libyan people. The NFA is a coalition of parties that has highlighted the importance of finding solutions to decades old problems. Unlike other Arab Spring countries, "Libya has not opted for an Islamist-led coalition or leadership".

The paper underscored that the next political step will determine whether the country is going to be dominated by liberals or not. "The formation of the next government will witness negotiations and trade-offs between various parties to ensure that a majority is secured." In addition, it continued "women have also fared well as they secured 30 seats in the congress which means that about 16.5 per cent of the 200 seats in the assembly will be held by women". The next steps for Libya would be important to what the people are trying to achieve. The nation needs to come together as a single unit as it builds its infrastructure and future.

WAM/MN