With just two weeks to go before the planned date of Libya’s constituent assembly elections, scheduled for 19 June, it still remains unclear exactly when the vote will take place.

Widespread rumours that the polls would be put back were denied in a statement last month by the National Transitional Council (NTC), which said that the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) was responsible for scheduling the vote.

But a minor delay now seems increasingly likely, mostly due to logistical reasons rather than security worries or political gridlock. Although city-level polls have already taken place in Misrata and Benghazi, organising a nationwide vote is a significant challenge in a country which has long lacked the necessary electoral infrastructure. A report in the local media on 3 June, for instance, cited a unnamed diplomat as saying that ballot boxes ‘would not be ready by 19 June.’

As long as the elections are held before the beginning of Ramadan, which begins on 20 July, then the delay is arguably not a major cause for concern. The alternative would involve pushing back the poll until after the long Eid holiday, which takes place after the end of Ramadan in late August, and would be a more serious setback in the country’s post-conflict recovery.

Forming an elected government is a vital step not just in Libya’s political transition but also in the health of the business environment, with thousands of government projects currently on hold. The current portfolio of ministers are only temporary, and many local and foreign companies – as well as state employees themselves – are expecting a new government to provide greater direction and clarity.

Some 80% of the potential electorate have registered to vote, according to the HNEC, which also said that over 2,500 independent candidates had registered to run for the constituent assembly. The new body will contain 200 seats, of which 120 are reserved for independents and 80 for political parties. Its job will be to draft a new constitution for Libya and pave the way for full legislative elections, which are likely to take place in late 2013.