Paper short abstract:

Our presentation will discuss how legitimacy can be derived from other sources than elections. Civic engagement, local advocacy and popular activities, while nascent and by some viewed as disruptive, show they are inherently legitimate and empower Libyans to collectively launch change.

Paper long abstract:

This paper is based on 30 Libyan-led co-enquiries using participatory action research and an analysis of 227 dialogues and 54 actions organised by 50 CSOs in an EU-funded rule of law programme. This way people examine what matters to local communities, how they understand their context and devise the best course of action.

The paper draws on Kaldor’s concept of civic logic (2021) and the emergence of manifestations of civic practices in a context dominated by authoritarian and illiberal practices (Glasius 2018). The paper shows that Libyan people perceive legitimacy, trust, accountability and transparency as crucial elements for conducting accepted and effective advocacy. The findings indicate how legitimacy can be derived from other sources than elections. In the actual and everyday Libyan reality, a framework for legitimacy presents itself through active participation, inclusive dialogues grounded in local knowledge and experience, and adherence to laws, customs and religion. While not a formal way to replace elections, it provides a different and operational approach that empowers Libyans to launch changes.

The paper further demonstrates how civic engagement, local advocacy and popular activities, while unknown and viewed as disruptive, show they are inherently legitimate. People, even when personally at risk, continue their actions grounded in this understanding as they seek an end to ‘the atmosphere of apathy and fear’. Their manifestations of civic logic and practices counter the authoritarian and illiberal practice presently facing Libya and contribute across the country to national reconciliation, raising awareness, and improving safety, security and daily living conditions.