The deteriorating  security conditions in Libya, marked by a chaotic state of division and armed clashes, have led many observers to raise doubts about the capacity of the constitution drafting commission to produce a constitution capable of uniting all Libyan parties.

In the following interview with Correspondents Siddiq Drissi, the official spokesman of the Commission stressed that the commission is capable of completing its journey and of producing a document to embrace the nation despite the “difficulty of the mission.”

The deteriorating  security conditions in Libya, marked by a chaotic state of division and armed clashes, have led many observers to raise doubts about the capacity of the constitution drafting commission to produce a constitution capable of uniting all Libyan parties.

In the following interview with Correspondents Siddiq Drissi, the official spokesman of the Commission stressed that the commission is capable of completing its journey and of producing a document to embrace the nation despite the “difficulty of the mission.”

 How far have you come with the constitution drafting project and when do you expect to present the final draft?

We have made good strides. We divided the articles among the committees to finalize the drafting and some of these committees have already finalized their work. 

In general, the commission is working hard and doing its best to produce the first draft as soon as possible. This might be possible in December 2014. 

Which articles will be voted on? How will this voting take place and who will supervise it?

You know that under the current prevailing conditions in Libya there is no possibility at all to hold a referendum. The first constitution draft to be issued will be discussed by the commission.  We are always seeking to increase the participation of the biggest number of Libyans, because they are the ones to make the Constitution. The role of the commission is only to formulate what the Libyan people want. Regarding the referendum and its logistics, I believe it is too early to discuss this issue. 

 Will the deterioration in the security conditions witnessed by Libya impact the referendum process?

The stable or instable security conditions will not negatively or positively impact the work of the commission. However, it is impossible to hold a referendum  under deteriorating security conditions. As you know, there are some cities where the elections of the constituent commission and parliamentary elections did not take place because of the absence of security.

Libya is witnessing division: there is Operation Dignity on the one side and Libya Dawn on the other. How will this impact on the work of the commission? 

We are living under this reality in Libya and we are very sad to see all this war and acts of revenge happening in our country.  It is certain that we are not distant from this reality, which has impacted the work of the commission because we couldn’t complete the communication programme we started with the rest of the Libyan areas and cities.

Is there a sense of harmony among the commission’s members and how would you describe the circumstances surrounding your work?

There is a great deal of harmony among the commission’s members and we have relaxing working conditions surrounding our work.  What happens outside does not negatively impact the work of the commission’s members during their sessions. In general, there is consensus and agreements between us.

Have you reached an agreement about the structure of the state and the ruling system that will be stipulated in the Constitution and presented to the people to vote on? 

The truth is that all systems are under consideration and discussions, but frankly speaking, we haven’t yet been able to agree on a structure that would be ideal for Libya and which responds to the aspirations of all the Libyan people. 

The Commission is working without the input of the Amazigh, who have their own set of demands. Have you included their demands in the draft?

We were hoping that this component would join the commission to speak about its demands and its vision and we didn’t want anybody else to speak on its behalf.  In fact, their absence has had a big impact on us, but we are demanding the citizenship right, which guarantees the demands of all the components of the Libyan society.

How do women fare in the new Libyan Constitution?

We have honorable women defending women’s rights. We will work hard to guarantee the rights of all Libyan citizens, without any exception, in the new constitution.

How will the Constitution deal with federalism? 

In reality, the shape of the ruling system is one of the key issues to be addressed by the commission. Those active in the federalist movement have met with the commission and its presidency and submitted their demands and it is one of the systems under discussion as it may be the choice of the Libyan people under the current conditions. 

Can you draft a Constitution which is binding for all Libyans and which is capable of ending armed conflicts in the country?

We can do that if all the Libyan people, from different sectors and classes, behave in a wise manner and put the interests of their country at top of their interests rather than their own personal interests.