Many Libyans oppose federalism. They have their justifiable reasons for that. Some regard federalism as the best political system for a country like Libya. Their viewpoint has to be respected, but they should be aware that it is hard to impose their political agenda on the Libyans, especially after the high price paid by the Libyans for nothing, but their liberty and independence. After the dark decades of Gaddafi’s rule, it is impossible for the Libyans to easily give up their hard-earned freedom.

One main concern here is our impression about federalism. Generally speaking, it is never reasonable to regard the federal system of governing as being an ineffective one. Our reaction to that system is negatively strong. Does that reflect lack of political awareness?

Federalism, as a system of governing, is well recognized across the world. Many successful and developed countries adopt federalism, e.g., USA, India, Germany, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates among many others. Federalism is defined as “…a system based upon democratic rules and institutions in which the power to govern is shared between national and provincial/state governments, creating what is often called a federation”.

In Libya, federalism seems to be a sensitive issue as in case, the federal way of governing is adopted, that may open the door for different regions to establish federal states first and then they may seek independence from the central government.

Federalism may be difficult to apply to some developing countries. In Sudan, the federal system led to the division of the country into two states with some other regions seeking independence from the central government. Moreover, the division of Sudan into two independent countries was followed by conflicts over the oil-rich regions in the country.

Another reason why federalism is not favoured in Libya is that Libya has a small number of population, and practically a federal system may not be conducive to establishing a powerful country if Libya is divided into two or more federal regions. That may make many foreign countries interfere in the Libyan affairs for the sake of their material interests and at the expense of our national interests.

The perilous issue with the way the eastern part of Libya was declared a federal state was that the decision was taken by a small minority of the easterners. That took place in a conference held in Benghazi on March 5, 2012.

Determining the political system of a country must be based on a consensus on the part of all Libyans through establishing a constitution that details the political system along with all rights and duties of all citizens. Unilateral procedures are not welcomed.

Even if the easterners are interested in forming a federation, taking a one-sided decision is never reasonable. Have the easterners themselves been invited to take part in a referendum on federalism? Has the declaration of the federal state in Benghazi been consulted with the legitimate governing body, the National Transition Council?
Holding the Benghazi conference underestimates the Libyans, and never corresponds to the aims of the 17th February revolution. The conference attendees committed a serious and unforgivable mistake when they adopted Libya's old constitution on behalf of the Libyans.

King Idris, the pre-Gaddafi ruler of Libya wanted Libya to be united under one governing body. So he abolished federalism. Federalism does not seem to be in harmony with the social texture of the Libyan society. Socially, the Libyans are related to one another. Many eastern Libyans have branches of their families living in the west and vice versa.

It is important to have religious and national leaders making the Libyans aware of the perils of federalism in Libya particularly at this time. Dr. Sadiq Al-Gharyani, the chairman of the supreme council for Fatwa has been the first scholar to warn against federalism in Libya.

Many people in the eastern part of Libya have been using a national tone as they indicated that when people from the east fought for liberating Tripoli, Zintan, Misurata, they did this for a united Libya. The eastern part of Libya, like all parts of Libya, suffered under Gaddafi’s rule. Benghazi was the spark that set the flame for the revolution. People have demands, but nobody is listening to their loud voices.

Abdul-Jalil, the head of the NTC has not been using a diplomatic language; the language needed is not that of political hypocrisy, but that of thoughtfulness and responsibility. Abdul-Jalil indicated that force would be used against federalists. National unity cannot be maintained by force, but by respect of all viewpoints, rule of law, fulfilment of the legal demands of the Libyans and the use of a friendly tone with all Libyans even those mistaken.

Nobody in Libya talked publicly about federalism till this last conference in Benghazi. All slogans raised in the eastern part of Libya during the 17th February revolution emphasized the unity of the Libyan soil. But now as the NTC is adopting ambiguous agenda, separatists and opportunists attempt to seize the opportunity and declare the Cyrenaica region a federal state.

The Libyans have to stand up to the challenge by settling all their disputes. Many administrative problems are faced. The vast area of Libya makes it difficult to effectively provide services for all parts of Libya. Decentralization and local governing councils are offered as real solutions to the administrative problems.

The decision concerning the nature of the political system has to be made by all Libyans. The federalists’ viewpoint is respected and they are responsible for respecting the will of the Libyan people.

Hussain Kreiba is a Staff Member at the University of Al-Mergib, College of Education in Zliten, Department of English, Email: hussain.kreiba@yahoo.co.uk