Spokesman for the Libyan Parliament, Abdullah Blaiheg confirmed that there was an agreement with the High Council of State (HCS), in order to move forward with the country’s stalled electoral process.
In press statements, Blaiheg indicated that the 14-month roadmap period reflects a maximum date, explaining that it is possible to hold elections before the expiration of this period.
Candidates for the position of Prime Minister have pledged not to run for the upcoming elections. This is to avoid a scenario like that of Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, who used the government’s capabilities to run for elections.
Blaiheg stressed that this consensus is the first to happen between the two rival legislative bodies. He noted that “the most prominent demand of the HCS was the issue of the referendum on the draft constitution, and today we are walking this path.”
Notably, the Libyan Parliament unanimously adopted a new political roadmap for the next stage, and will vote on choosing a new Prime Minister on Thursday.
Parliament Speaker, Ageela Saleh announced the articles of the roadmap. These stipulate that the elections shall take place within a period not exceeding 14 months.
The Parliament’s Roadmap Committee will consult with the HCS to present the final version of the constitutional amendment within a week. Confidence will be given to the new government next Thursday.
The Interior Minister of the former Government of National Accord (GNA), Fathi Bashagha and Khaled Amer Al-Bibass are currently the only two candidates for Prime Minister.
The Roadmap Committee will submit its final report within one month of the roadmap being approved.