In Libya, a state of National Emergency has come into effect from midnight last night. The step been taken by the ruling National Transitional Council in the wake of growing violence ,of fire power and intimidation of votby the rival militia groups.

Nine months after the end of the uprising which led to the ouster of 42 year old reign of Muammar Gaddafi, Libyans will vote to choose a 200-member General National Congress on Saturday. It will replace the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) and will draft the new constitution of the country. But ahead of the elections jostling for the voters has begun among the rival militia groups based on tribal and ethnic loyalties. Flush(abudnace) with weapons during the uprising against Gaddafi regime, many of them are trying to assert their powers in their strongholds. Authorities are wary of the impact of gun fighting among the rival militia groups and their impact on vote turnout. Attacks on diplomats and aid missions in the east have exposed the fragile security. Tripoli’s international airport was held for hours by an armed group last month. In the wake of security considerations and to ensure free and fair polls, the Libyan authorities clamped emergency till the elections are over in the country.