Political Division in Libya under the Consensus Democracy Model

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of applying the consociational model on addressing the problem of political division in Libya using a scientific approach based on political systems theory and the political elite methodology. Its aim is to reveal the impact of applying the principles of consociational democracy on the state of political division in Libya. The study's significance lies in providing a specialized scientific analysis within the field of political system studies in Libya. This paper argues that, assuming Libyan society is deeply divided—which justifies resorting to the consociational model—the essential condition of a political elite possessing the necessary qualities for the success of this model is absent from the current Libyan political landscape. Furthermore, the UN-adopted consociational power-sharing arrangements since the Skhirat Agreement have deepened the political division rather than resolving it. This is evident in the continuation, exacerbation, and increasing complexity of this division, to the point where it now threatens the very existence of the Libyan state.