House of Representatives Speaker Aqila Saleh has urged the formation of a new unified government to replace the current administrations, emphasizing that Libyans require essential services first. He stated that the creation of this government is separate from parliamentary elections, advocating for a swift political consensus. Saleh criticized the Presidential Council for overstepping its authority and expressed frustration over ineffective previous negotiations. His remarks follow the council’s recent controversial decrees.
In a significant political development, House of Representatives Speaker Aqila Saleh has proposed the immediate formation of a new unified government. This government would replace both the current Government of National Unity and Hammad’s administration. Saleh emphasized the urgent needs of Libyans for essentials such as food, medicine, electricity, education, and salaries, underscoring that fulfilling these needs is a fundamental role of executive authority.
During a video statement released on Saturday, Saleh responded to the calls for parliamentary elections. He clarified that the establishment of a new unified government should not be viewed as contingent upon the timing of elections. He suggested that if parliamentary elections were to occur, presidential elections could also take place simultaneously, endorsing a more integrated electoral process.
Saleh has been critical of the Presidential Council, accusing it of overstepping its legislative bounds and contributing to the current political stalemate. He firmly rejected the council’s recent issuance of legally impactful decrees, calling instead for the rapid establishment of a new governing authority. He stated, “We no longer have multiple paths or a range of solutions. We must urgently move toward forming a new authority and implementing that based on the political agreement through consensus.”
The Speaker expressed dissatisfaction with past attempts at multi-track dialogues, referencing failed negotiations that came out of Skhirat and Geneva. He stated these efforts have exacerbated Libya’s crises, deepening divisions and worsening political, economic, and social conditions, alongside increasing financial corruption.
Further, Saleh argued against the council’s recent decree that annulled a House of Representatives law, which was pivotal for establishing a Supreme Constitutional Court in Benghazi. His comments follow a series of actions by the council, including annoying decrees regarding the election process for a General Conference for National Reconciliation set to convene in Sirte.
By advocating for a unified government, Saleh aims to restore stability and better address the pressing issues facing Libyans, as the political landscape grows increasingly complex and divisive. His call signals a potential shift towards a more consolidated governance structure that prioritizes the needs of the populace over ongoing political conflicts.
In conclusion, Speaker Aqila Saleh’s call for a new unified government highlights urgent societal needs while criticizing the current Presidential Council for overreach and ineffectiveness. The proposal aims to move Libya toward stability by addressing fundamental issues such as food and healthcare, alongside a possible synchronized election process. This push, reflecting discontent with previous dialogues, underscores an urgent desire for progress in the nation’s governance. It remains to be seen how these developments will unfold amidst the challenging political backdrop.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly