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Libya’s road to democracy

A woman holds a banner in support of the Muslim Brotherhood party in Tripoli, Libya, on Thursday. (Associated Press)

Facts about Libya’s election today for a 200-member General National Congress, the first nationwide vote since the ouster of Moammar Gadhafi last year:

• Eligible voters: 3.3 million.

• Registered voters: Almost 2.9 million.

• Not eligible to vote: Officials from Gadhafi’s regime.

• Results: Expected within a week of voting.

• Allocation of seats: 100 for Tripoli and the west, 60 for Benghazi and the east, 40 for southwest.

• Candidates seeking election: About 3,700, including 585 women.

• Main contenders: Muslim Brotherhood (Islamists), Al-Watan (Salafis and other Islamists), Alliance of National Forces (secular), National Front (veteran opposition to Gadhafi), National Centrist (former Finance Minister Ali Tarhouni).

• Next steps: New Assembly appoints Cabinet within 30 days. A second election for a 60-member body to write a new constitution. Referendum on constitution. Election for new parliament in 2013.