Surprise Me!

Libyans celebrate vote

2012-07-08 1 Dailymotion

Libyans celebrate after their first free national election in 60 years.<br/> <br />Many defied violence and calls for a boycott and headed to the polls to choose a new national assembly.<br/> <br />It was a chance to draw a line under the legacy of Muammar Gaddafi's dictatorship.<br/> <br />Revellers in Tripoli celebrated after polls closed.<br/> <br />The vote count begun in the eastern city of Benghazi, which saw intense anti-poll protests by those wanting more autonomy.<br/> <br />Earlier in the day a man was killed in a clash between protesters and backers of the poll.<br/> <br />Another man was shot dead by guards in the town of Ajdabiya as he tried to steal a ballot box.<br/> <br />Despite some unrest, authorities said 98 percent of polling stations had opened at some point.<br/> <br />Even in Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte, there was relief that the vote had gone relatively smoothly.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: UNNAMED WOMAN SAYING (Arabic):<br/> <br />"This is the era of freedom. For the first time Sirte is free. Not only Sirte but Libya too."<br/> <br />Authorities say voting turnout was just under 60 percent.<br/> <br />The election will eventually pave the way for parliamentary elections next year.<br/> <br />Results are expected on Monday.<br/> <br />Sarah Charlton, Reuters.

Buy Now on CodeCanyon