[3] On 11 June 1971, Gaddafi declared the formation of the Arab Socialist Union (ASU) as the sole legal party of Libya.

Gaddafi announced that it would bring true democracy with all participating, eliminate class distinctions and form a new socialist ideology based on Islam, rejecting Marxism.

Like Nasser, Gaddafi seized power with a Free Officers Movement, which became the Revolutionary Command Council.

[7] The Arab Socialist Union was closely controlled by the Revolutionary Command Council, which had the power to annul any resolution or dissolve any branch.

[4] The first ASU congress took place in March 1972 with a membership of 322,000, where Gaddafi made a five-hour speech and then debated other RCC members over the freedom of press and the right to strike.