On Saturday, the European Union’s (EU) official Spokesman for the Middle East and North Africa, Luis Miguel Bueno reiterated the bloc’s supportive position for holding the elections in Libya as scheduled.
In press statements, Bueno stressed that all necessary steps must be taken to ensure that the elections are held “as a free, fair, inclusive and credible process without intimidation or threats.”
Bueno also affirmed the EU’s continued “support” for Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC) in this regard.
“We see that there are challenges and difficulties in this sensitive period that Libya is going through, and we still think and believe that the elections are a fundamental turning point in this transitional period, and we have repeatedly said that these elections are essential after we saw great progress that was made in Libya more than a year ago. We are talking about a country that has been badly affected by war, conflicts, and numerous crises for years, but now we have a ceasefire and unified national institutions to a great extent,” he stated.
The EU official pointed out that the failure to hold elections as planned would gravely deteriorate the situation in the country. “We are participating in this electoral process as a partner of Libya, the Libyan government, and as a member of the Berlin Conferences, confirming that holding the elections on time is in the interest of everyone in the European Union and Libya’s neighbouring countries.”
Bueno explained that the EU is keen to find the most effective ways to support cooperation between Libya and its Sahel neighbours, improve border management, and allow the withdrawal of mercenaries, non-state actors, and foreign forces from the country. He added that Libya has a clear opportunity to build a stable and prosperous future.