Libya had what can truly be described as a revolution. Of all the countries caught up in the Arab spring, it was the one where a whole system was being torn down. It was far more than simply the removal of a Dictator. So what evidence is there that the revolutionary spirit is still alive in Libya and will deliver a change that will last and benefit everyone?

 
On the face of it there are many problems that might dampen the spirit. It’s estimated that there are 20 million weapons circulating in the country – about 4 for each man, woman and child in the country. There is an air of chaos and a lack of clarity about who is currently in charge. Many militias have not disbanded and rubbish blows through the streets of Tripoli and Benghazi in depressing quantities. A new law forbids criticism of the Revolution.
 
However, there are many other reasons to believe that the change in Libya is indeed a profound one and that the revolution is still one which can foster a Moslem democracy to give hope to millions across the Arab world. 
 
First, national elections are still on course for June 19th. There may be some slight delay but only to ensure that voters get the best chance to expressing their will at the ballot box. There is indeed a slight air of chaos about in government but that is no bad thing after decades of fear and repression. Decision making is sometimes erratic and subject to pressure from various factions in and around the NTC.  However, a desire to be inclusive and not alienate influential factions is no bad thing in the run up to what promise to be truly free elections. Already the Transitional government has managed to register over 2.5 million people to vote – a remarkably high figure.The Prime Minister assures anyone who will listen that the law forbidding criticism of the Revolution is a temporary measure to get Libyans through elections and will be repealed by the new government.
 
It’s estimated that Libya has spawned some 750 NGOs in the last year, with young and old Libyans forming civil society groups to deal with every imaginable issue from rubbish collection to women’s rights. Civil society has put down roots and is producing astonishing results. In Benghazi the NTC was pressurised by local civil society to hold local elections. The elections, which I witnessed, were peaceful and a woman got the highest number of votes. Everyone I spoke to felt that citizens of good character, who were respected by local communities, had been elected. It was a remarkable expression of the revolution, where ordinary people felt empowered and in control.
 
And what about the weapons? When everyone was getting fearful at the number of weapons on the streets of Tripoli and Benghazi, again there was pressure from civil society and Imams supported them saying weapons on the streets were no longer necessary. Now it is rare to see a weapon and militia are either off the street or joining the national army police.
On my most recent visit, rubbish collectors could be seen for the first time on the street beginning the daunting task of cleaning up. While in December, the Zintan militia were ostentatiously in charge of the airport, on this trip in May, the national police had replaced them and the militia's technicals that had guarded the entrance had gone.
 
All this is happening before elections have taken place. Libyans are showing an astonishing spirit to do things increasingly for themselves. While Egypt agonises about whether the same forces that were at play under Mubarak will somehow remain in control, Libyans are tasting some real freedoms, arguing vociferously amongst themselves and working to ensure that everyone benefits from a revolution that so many fought for. So can Libyans progress from the Arab Spring to ‘the broad sunlit uplands’ of freedom and security? It will surely be a struggle of Churchilian proportions but they might just do it. 

Jerry Timmins, Managing Director GMT Media Ltd