McCain praises Libya's first post-Gadhafi election

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Monday congratulated Libya for holding its first free election after the death of former leader Moammar Gadhafi, and said it represents an "important step on Libya's democratic journey."

"This is a historic day for the people of Libya," said McCain, who observed the elections from Tripoli on Saturday. "After 42 years of darkness and cruelty under Qaddafi, and after nine months of brutal fighting and sacrifice to liberate their great nation, Libyans have now elected their own leaders and continued to determine their own destiny."

McCain reported that Libya's High National Elections Commission confirmed that 94 percent of Libya's polling places were open as planned, but noted some incidents of violence that kept some polling places closed. He also noted that one election worker was killed, but nonetheless called the elections, in which Libyans voted for a 200-seat General National Congress, a success.

"These setbacks were unfortunate, but they were limited, and they do not take away from the fact that today's vote in Libya was generally free, fair, and successful," he said.

McCain also promised that the United States would stand with Libya as it continues to make progress toward democracy.

"We will work with the newly elected leaders of a free Libya," he said. "And upon the request of the Libyan people, we will provide whatever support and assistance we can, in a spirit of mutual respect, common purpose, and shared values."

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