The international community must act, says commentator

Dr Abdalaziz Agniea, a Libyan commentator based in London, told MEE what he sees as the way forward to overcome the current crisis in Libya:

"The current elections will not solve Libya's problems. With around half a million people barred from taking part in politics, because they were accused of being part of the former regime, and with deliberate gasoline shortages and power outages to discourage people from voting, little change is expected.

"The militias, who have never allowed any government to do its work, are intimidating people. Voters are divided according to areas, tribes and personal interests and the country's mufti, who is supposed to be neutral, is unashamedly taking sides.

"The only way forward is to have all the different political players – from religious extremists to Gaddafi loyalists – sit together in a conference sponsored by the UN, EU, AU and the Arab League and iron out their differences ahead of a more transparent general elections.

"The UN must ensure that all of those who have blood on their hands will not be allowed to travel freely nor should they be able to access their international bank accounts. That way you can enforce accountability and people will be more careful about their actions."