On Wednesday, Libya’s Parliament-designated Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha said the UN mandate to reach a pathway to elections has now officially expired.
In a letter sent to the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, Bashagha said he will lead all efforts to hold elections in Libya at the earliest possible opportunity.
He praised the UN’s tireless efforts over the past 11 years, and assistance in helping build a free and democratic Libya. “However, it is now time that a Libyan solution be found to bring forth elections. This must also guarantee Libyans the quality of life they deserve and demand,” Bashagha added.
He noted his ‘Roadmap to Recovery’ illustrates the need to focus not only on elections, but also on offering a “multi-dimensional solution to the challenges facing Libya.”
“As you know, Libya is going through a sensitive stage, and it is the duty of all leaders in Libya and around the world who believe in democracy to work together to find a solution to the challenges facing the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister said he welcomes UN help in implementing the roadmap, which he is confident will “create a free, fair, prosperous and secure Libya.”
Bashagha said he is committed to a Libyan solution, adding that over the coming months his government will “make great strides towards Parliamentary and Presidential elections, and implement the priorities outlined in my roadmap.”
On Monday, Bashagha announced a national and comprehensive roadmap that will “steer the country to elections and beyond, following a decade of turmoil and missed opportunities.”
In a statement, he said that the roadmap “comes in line with the requirements of the current stage, and responds to the aspirations of the Libyan people for a prosperous future. This is by holding comprehensive elections, and ensuring the peaceful handover of power.”
The roadmap announced came under the rubric “The Roadmap to Stability and Recovery.” Bashagha said, “Libya stands today at a fateful and critical crossroads in order to ensure a better and sustainable future that our people deserve, and aspire to.”