TRIPOLI
A member of Libya's interim General National Congress (GNC) has reiterated the GNC's intention to carry out a recently-approved "roadmap" extending its term by one year, dismissing ongoing protests against the decision.
"The protesters don't represent the majority of the Libyan people," MP Abdel-Qader Houeli told Anadolu Agency on Thursday.
Hoeuli claimed to have statistical proof that those who voted in 2012 polls for the GNC supported the body's continuation in power.
"A number of cities and districts have called for the GNC to lead the upcoming phase," he asserted.
Hundreds of Libyans demonstrated last week in the eastern city of Benghazi to protest the GNC's extended mandate.
The protests came in response to calls by the 'No to Extension' campaign, launched last December after the GNC voted to extend its mandate by one year.
The GNC also extended by one year the country's transitional period, which followed the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in late 2011.
Campaign organizers vowed to mobilize again on Friday to protest the twin extensions.
"The GNC welcomes peaceful popular activity as long as it doesn't hinder the work of freely elected institutions," Houeli said.
Under an original timetable for transition, parliament should have elected a constituent assembly, drafted a constitution, and put the draft charter to a popular referendum before holding parliamentary polls sometime before February.
The new GNC-endorsed timetable, however, stipulates that a constituent assembly be elected by February and a new constitution drafted by July, to be put to a vote by August. Parliamentary elections should be held by December, according to the new timeline.
The twin extensions have been met by anger on the part of many Libyans, who have called for protests aimed at pressuring parliament to reverse the move.
During a Friday protest, held amid tight security, protesters chanted against the GNC and the interim government of Prime Minister Ali Zeidan and demanded the formation of an "emergency government."
Osama bin Hamel
englishnews@aa.com.tr
