General People's Congress (Libya)

The General People's Congress (GPC) was the legislative forum of Libya under Muammar Gaddafi's Jamahiriya regime. It served as the national legislature, nominally responsible for law-making. However, ultimate authority resided with Gaddafi and the Revolutionary Committees.

The GPC was structured around the principle of direct democracy, as outlined in Gaddafi's Green Book. Members were chosen through a complex system of local People's Congresses, which in turn elected representatives to the GPC. These representatives were intended to represent their local communities and participate in national decision-making.

The GPC held annual sessions where it debated and approved laws, treaties, and the budget. It also elected the General People's Committee, which acted as the cabinet and was responsible for implementing the GPC's decisions. The Secretary of the General People's Congress served as the head of the GPC.

While the GPC appeared to be a representative body, its powers were significantly curtailed by the overriding authority of Gaddafi and the Revolutionary Committees. The Revolutionary Committees, composed of loyal Gaddafi supporters, exerted considerable influence over the GPC and ensured that its decisions aligned with Gaddafi's policies.

Following the Libyan Civil War and the overthrow of Gaddafi in 2011, the General People's Congress was dissolved. It was replaced by the General National Congress, a transitional legislature elected to draft a new constitution and govern the country until new elections could be held. The General National Congress was itself later replaced by the House of Representatives. The legacy of the GPC is viewed as a symbol of Gaddafi's authoritarian rule and a system that lacked genuine democratic participation.