On Sunday, the UK Embassy in Libya affirmed its commitment to the ongoing political process in Libya, and for the holding of prompt Parliamentary and Presidential elections.
In a statement, the Embassy called on the relevant authorities to work on delivering these elections with minimal delays. ”We share the disappointment of the Libyan people that it was not possible to hold these elections on 24 December,” the Embassy noted.
It also confirmed the need for the peaceful transfer of power from the current interim government to take place following the elections.
The Embassy also stressed the need to avoid conflicts of interests, and to promote a level playing field. As well as noting that candidates holding public positions should continue vacating them, until the announcement of the electoral results.
It voiced its support to the calls made by the Libyan Parliament, for the cooperation of all parties in creating the right conditions for elections as soon as possible.
“The UK does not support any individual, but continues to commend the work of the High National Elections Committee (HNEC) and other relevant institutions to deliver elections that reinforce the independence, sovereignty, and unity of Libya,” the statement added.
Libya’s political crisis has taken on an increasingly international dimension, after the UK was accused of defending corruption and interfering in internal processes. It called for the interim Government of National Unity (GNU), headed by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba to remain in power pending the rescheduling of delayed elections, according to the Guardian.
The country’s first Presidential elections, scheduled for 24 December were indefinitely postponed at the last minute, largely because fierce disagreements over who should be allowed to stand had not been resolved.