The elections occurred amid escalating tensions right after the Gadhafi regime's fall but before the war to oust Gadhafi had fully ended. That fueled more political discord that eventually erupted in civil war. Instead of being a cornerstone for political continuity and legitimacy, the 2012 elections were a setback for Libya's democratic transition. The House of Representatives elections saw only 18 percent voter turnout, against a backdrop of fear and civil strife. Their ongoing clashes are rooted in disputes and grievances formed during this crucial period between the 2012 and 2014 elections.
