On Tuesday, the Head of the Libyan Presidential Council (PC), Mohamed Al-Mnifi met with the Ambassador of the European Union to Libya, Jose Sabadell.
Al-Mnifi confirmed that the PC seeks to hold elections as soon as possible, “as it is the only solution and way out of the country’s crisis.”
He explained that the problem in Libya lies in a legal and constitutional problem, and it must be addressed as soon as possible. As well as affirming that the PC remains impartial, and its main focus is the completion of the national reconciliation process.
Al-Mnifi also stressed the importance of maintaining the popular momentum for the Parliamentary and Presidential elections, in accordance with the Berlin process, and the Geneva Agreement.
He revealed that the council is working on developing a general and practical framework for the withdrawal of mercenaries from Libya, in partnership with friendly countries.
In April 2021, the PC announced the formation of a High Commission for National Reconciliation, with the aim of healing the rift that has divided the country. It is hoping this process would ensure national reconciliation, elections, and to quickly agree on a new political roadmap.
On Monday, Speaker of the Libyan Parliament, Ageela Saleh announced the articles of the roadmap, stipulating that the elections shall take place within a period not exceeding 14 months.
Earlier, Saleh stated that the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) mandate has expired, and it cannot continue in office.
Prime Minister, Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba stated that he would not accept more transitional stages in Libya. He vowed that his government will continue to fulfil its duties, until handing over power to an elected government.
Dbaiba added that he would defy a planned vote in Parliament to replace him on Thursday, raising the prospect of two rival governments running in parallel. “We will not retreat from our role in government, until elections are achieved,” he said.