TRIPOLI – The first law passed by the newly-elected National Congress bars Libyan citizens who also have another nationality from holding any high office in Congress. The motion, proposed by Muhammad Tumi of the National Front Party and Muhammed Murgham of the Justice & Construction Party, was supported by 187 members out of the total 200 members. It also restricts the members of Congress with non-Libyan spouses from holding any high post. Muhammed Tumi told the Libya Herald that for the moment the decision only concerned the president (or speaker) of Congress and his two deputies but in the next session it will be extended to the government ministers and officials. “It was passed only for the roles within the congress but it will be extended to include the government officials in the next meeting of the congress,” he said. Tumi also added that no decision had yet been taken by the National Front Party as to the next prime minister and the cabinet. “We have not made any decision yet to nominate our own candidate for the post of PM or to support other ones. “It will most likely be done after Eid.” Talks on the formation of the government will continue after Eid as most of the members of Congress will travel back to their home cities to celebrate the festival marking the end of Ramadan. The decision will narrow down the choices for the role of the next prime minister of Libya. Two of the names being suggested for the job, Ali Tarhouni and Mustafa Abushagur, are said to have dual citizenship. However, either would be able to hold the position if they renounce their foreign nationality. The next session of Congress is scheduled to convene on 23 August. – Libya Herald
