US Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland spoke with mayors from the Fezzan Municipalities of Bent Baya, Sebha, and Ubari. They shared with him the importance of holding the Presidential and Parliamentary elections as soon as possible.
The mayors also stressed that the elections are the key to improving the conditions, and quality of life of southern Libya.
Last week, the US ambassador called for calm and encouraged steps to de-escalate the tense security situation in Tripoli, and across Libya.
According to a statement by the US Embassy, “Now is not the time for unilateral actions or armed deployments that risk escalation and unintended consequences detrimental to the security and safety of Libyans. We reiterate UNSMIL’s call for disagreements on emerging political or military matters to be resolved without resorting to violence.”
“At the same time, work towards elections should be a priority, in line with strong public desires. Libyan leaders, on behalf of the Libyan people, should expeditiously address all legal and political obstacles to hold elections, including finalising the list of presidential candidates,” the US ambassador added.
The statement noted: “the United States shares the concern and disappointment of the vast majority of Libyans who expect to have the opportunity to vote for their country’s future. At this critical moment in Libya’s path forward, it is more important than ever that Libyans are vigilant about the spread of disinformation that only advantages those who wish to disrupt Libya’s future progress.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC) proposed postponing the first round of the national elections to 24 January, a month from their scheduled date.
The commission said in a press statement that it is proposing this in coordination with the Libyan Parliament.
“The Libyan Parliament shall take measures to remove the ‘Force Majeure that confronts the completion of the electoral process,” HNEC added.
It also defended its decisions, claiming that they were “correct” by excluding a number of candidates who did not meet the conditions.