Boycotting the vote in Syria

The streets of district number two in Sirte.

It was the site of the final battle of the revolt in Libya. It was also the last place that Muammar Gaddafi was hiding in before he was captured and killed.

For the first time in 60 years Libya is holding its first free election. They are choosing an assembly which will elect a prime minister and cabinet ahead of full parliamentary elections next year.

Many in the town are boycotting the vote.

They say they will not vote until their homes are repaired.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MOHAMMAD, SAYING:

"I will not vote because of the destruction and won't vote until they reconstruct our house and give us compensation. Then I will vote. I can not vote while the house is still destroyed."

Some remember better times.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) WOMAN, SAYING:

"We wish we had a good house and a good life. This house is not good to live in."

As voters head to the polls in other parts of the country many in Sirte are sitting this one out -- at least until they have a place to call home.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters