Jamahiriya

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Jamahiriya (Arabic جماهيرية, strict transliteration ) is an Arabic term generally translated as "state of the masses." The term, a neologism coined by Muammar al-Gaddafi, is intended to be a generic term describing a type of state, like a "republic ruled by the masses."

In practice, the only state to which the term has ever been applied is Libya, of which Gaddafi is the Caid (translated Leader; strict transliteration ). Although Gaddafi holds no longer public office or title, he is accorded the honorifics "Guide of the First of September Great Revolution of the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya" or "Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution" in government statements and the official press.

Etymology

The word jamāhīrīya was derived from jumhūrīya, which is the usual Arabic translation of republic. It was coined by changing the component jumhūr — "public" — to its plural form, jamāhīr — "the masses". Thus, it is similar to the term People's Republic.

It is often left untranslated in English, with Libya's long-form name thus rendered as Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

Background

The Libyan government states that Libya is a direct democracy without political parties, governed by its populace through local popular councils and communes. Because this system is ostensibly unique to Libya, the term jamahiriya was coined to describe it. Nevertheless, many observers consider the country a military dictatorship under the rule of Gaddafi.

External links

References and notes

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Last updated on Tuesday February 19, 2008 at 13:00:11 PST (GMT -0800)
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