Libyan rebel says up to 2 years needed for vote

[May 26, 2011]  BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) -- The vice chairman of Libya's rebel administration says it could take up to two years to organize elections, backtracking on promises of a six-month transition to democracy.

Abdel-Hafidh Ghoga's announcement is adding to internal dissent within the opposition movement seeking to topple Moammar Gadhafi.

Ghoga, of the National Transitional Council, said at a news conference Wednesday that a one- to two-year transition period would be needed after the hoped-for ouster of Gadhafi. In that time, he said, the opposition would form a transitional legislative body tasked with writing a constitution, hold a referendum on the charter, form political parties and then hold elections.

Some opposition supporters suspect council members are intent on prolonging their power.

[Associated Press; By MICHELLE FAUL]

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