Political Elites in Libya since 1969

Abstract

The study of elites constitutes an essential means of understanding change within societies. However, carrying out such research in Libya has been very rare and difficult.1 This is due to the nature of the political system and its political ideology, based officially on the structure of the ``authority of the people's system'' or ``direct democracy'' since 1977. In theory, the Basic People's Congresses are a central element of authority, constituting the main decision-making institution through which people are involved in the political process at the grassroots level. However, in practice, one of the main characteristics of the political system in Libya is the phenomenon of what can be called a ``temporary elite'': this category describes those whose elite status has been created by the regime in order to help implement the regime's programs. The composition of this temporary elite is continually shifting with the needs of the regime. This has been true in Libya ever since the regime came to power in 1969.