Libyan elections scheduled for December 24 have been postponed. UN Envoy Stephanie Williams announced that a new date will be set within 30 days due to issues with electoral legislation. Key stakeholders are urged to focus on creating conditions for fair elections, emphasizing the desire of the Libyan people for democratic participation. UN Secretary-General Guterres reinforced the importance of respecting the will of the people in the electoral process.
The recent Libyan elections scheduled for December 24 have been postponed, with new dates expected to be determined within a 30-day timeframe. Following a visit aimed at facilitating political, security, and economic dialogues, UN Envoy Stephanie Williams highlighted the Libyan people’s strong desire to engage in elections, stressing that elections must be viewed as part of the solution, not the problem.
On December 23, the High National Elections Commission announced their inability to conduct elections on the planned date due to issues with electoral legislation and candidate eligibility. The Commission requested the House of Representatives to establish a new date for the Presidential election’s first round within one month, while also urging them to implement measures to overcome existing electoral hurdles.
Williams affirmed her readiness to mediate and work with Libyan institutions to address these challenges. Emphasizing the importance of respecting the will of the 2.8 million registered voters, she urged key stakeholders to prioritize the electoral process and the creation of the necessary political and security conditions for inclusive and credible elections.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity for elections that respect the will of the people and establish democratic institutions. He noted that Williams would continue to support a Libyan-led process to overcome challenges and facilitate the elections as soon as feasibly possible.
In addition to election-related work, Williams has met with numerous individuals across the country, leading mediation efforts and enhancing collaboration with Libyan and international partners. Observing the progress made since the ceasefire in October 2020 and subsequent political dialogues, she noticed a positive shift toward peaceful discourse. Despite the ongoing challenges faced by many Libyans, there are signs of normalcy, such as families reuniting and travel resuming due to the renewed ceasefire and road openings.
In conclusion, the postponement of Libyan elections reflects ongoing electoral challenges, yet there is a strong resolve among Libyans for democratic participation. With the UN’s continued support and mediation efforts, there is hope for establishing a new election date to facilitate a transition to democratic governance. The resilience of the Libyan people amid recovery efforts post-conflict highlights a growing commitment to peace and stability in the country.
Original Source: news.un.org
