Libya Deploys Military Ahead of First Post-Qaddafi Elections

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Libya’s interim government will deploy more than 13,000 troops along with aircraft and naval vessels to ensure security during the the country’s first free national elections since the removal of Muammar Qaddafi.

Officials have set up an operations room to coordinate the troops, interior ministry forces, plus naval and air elements ahead of the July 7 vote, the state-run Libya News Agency reported, citing Youssif El-Mangoush, the army chief-of-staff.

El-Mangoush said the military will conduct air surveillance of the country’s borders. The authorities are on high alert for any disturbances, Omar El-Khadrawi, the deputy interior minister, said in comments aired on Libyan state television.

The head of the state-run National Oil Corp. called on the company’s employees to cast their vote as a step toward building a “modern Libya founded on law and institutions,” according to a statement posted on the NOC’s website. Nuri Berruien said workers should go to the nearest polling station without causing disruptions to operations or production.

Source: Bloomberg