The European Union’s (EU) Spokesman for the Middle East and North Africa, Luis Miguel Bueno, stressed the need to hold the December elections on its scheduled time, in accordance with the United Nations (UN) roadmap. He reiterated the EU’s intention to impose sanctions on those obstructing the electoral process.
In statements to Sky News Arabia, Bueno explained that the EU adopted a legal framework to impose sanctions on persons and entities obstructing the elections, based on the UN Security Council Resolution No. 2571 of 2021.
The EU Spokesman confirmed the EU’s support for the Libyan High National Election Commission (HNEC), with a project worth 11 million euros. It will do this by providing technical support and assisting in capacity building. He also reiterated the EU’s readiness to mobilise all resources to accompany Libya during what he described as a complex process.
Bueno highlighted the EU’s support for the participation of women, youth and vulnerable groups in the upcoming elections. He stressed the need to resolve the conflict in Libya through a comprehensive process owned and led by Libyans, to restore the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On security developments with the upcoming elections, the EU Spokesman reiterated the EU’s support for the efforts of the 5 + 5 Joint Military Committee (JMC), aimed at withdrawing all mercenaries and foreign forces and unifying the military establishment.
The European official called on the Government of National Unity (GNU) to dismantle the militias, unify the armed forces under civilian supervision, and lay the foundations for a comprehensive reform in the security sector.
At the same context, the UN affirmed its continued support for the Libyan authorities to ensure the organisation of comprehensive and credible elections on December 24th. This is expected to occur in accordance with the road map and relevant Security Council resolutions.
In a press conference in New York, the Spokesman for the Secretary-General of the UN, Stéphane Dujarric, added that the UN provides technical support to the the HNEC in several areas.
Dujarric explained that these areas include communication with decision-makers and opinion-makers, providing technical advice and assistance, as well as raising awareness and support for the participation of women and other marginalised groups.