On Wednesday, the EU Mission in Libya (EUBAM) stated that women have been particularly affected by violence and instability during the decade-long conflict. It also noted that women are a key factor in achieving sustainable peace in Libya.
On Tuesday, an important initiative was launched to enhance the role of women in the peace and reconciliation process in Libya. A roadmap for a national action plan based on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security was launched.
The mission confirmed that the speakers at Tuesday’s event demonstrated a commitment to involve more women in rebuilding the country. It noted the participation of the Head of Cooperation in the European Union delegation, Sandra Goffin, on behalf of the EU.
On Monday, the Libyan Parliament approved a law for parliamentary elections to take place a month after the planned 24 December presidential elections.
Parliament Spokesman, Abdullah Blaiheg said they had approved all articles of the law, which will keep Parliament with the same number of MP’s.
He pointed out that the approved law was voted on by 70 to 75 MP’s who were present the session.
“The law is based on the rules of the current parliamentary elections, but will shift to voting for individual candidates rather than lists,” Blaiheg explained.
The UN-backed roadmap called for parliamentary and presidential elections on 24 December but did not specify a constitutional or legal basis for voting.
The Spokesman did not mention why the elections were scheduled for January.
The Parliament issued the presidential election law on 8 September. The country’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC) announced on 12 September that it had received the law.
The Parliament also announced the withdrawal of confidence from the Government of National Unity (GNU) but kept it as a caretaker government.