One in three Libyans now prefer return to authoritarian rule than democracy: Study

Over a third of Libyan citizens now prefer a return to authoritarian rule than embracing democracy, a new study has found.

The study published by the Institute of Human Sciences at the University of Oxford and Oxford Research International found that 35 percent would like to be ruled by a strong leader in five years but over two-thirds wanted some voice in future governance.

The study found that 81 percent of respondents expressed faith in the new administration that toppled Colonel Gaddafi's regime and 16 percent said they were ready to use violence for achieving political ends.

The figures are borne out by the Amnesty report, 'Militias threaten hopes for new Libya,' which points to evidence of war crimes being committed against Gaddafi loyalists.

"Although there appears to be a push for an early election, the population seems to be happy with the National Transitional Council [NTC]," The Independent quoted Oxford Research International director, as saying.

"Perhaps more significantly, Libyan people have not yet developed trust towards political parties, preferring a return of one-man rule. Yet they have also resoundingly said they want a say in how their country is run, which suggests Libyans who have had autocratic rule for decades lack the knowledge of how a democracy works and need more awareness of the alternatives to autocratic government," he added. (ANI)