On Thursday, the Libyan Parliament announced the outcomes of the constitutional talks between the rival legislatures. This is aimed at breaking the deadlock over the rules for the long-awaited elections.
Parliament Speaker, Ageela Saleh and Head of the High Council of State (HCS) Khaled Al-Mishri met for three days to discuss the draft constitutional framework for elections.
In a statement, the Parliament said that “a state of consensus has been reached on most of the controversial constitutional issues, except for the conditions for running for the presidency.”
The House stated that some of the contentious points included the ability for dual nationals to run for President, and sovereign positions.
It added that the two officials agreed to “draft a constitution aimed at building a civil and democratic state,” in addition to “ensuring the participation of the Libyan people in building the state and formulating political and economic decisions”
Saleh and Al-Mishri also agreed that the seat of Parliament would remain in Benghazi, and the Senate in Sebha. The statement also indicated that “it was agreed that the Senate members would be equally elected between the three regions of Libya.”
“The outcomes of the talks reflected the free will of the Libyan people, fulfilled their aspirations in drafting a constitution for the country, and holding Presidential and Parliamentary elections,” the statement pointed out.
The statement noted that the “constitution would guarantee the independence and immunity of the judiciary, and ensure the separation of powers.”
It also stressed that the constitution “rejects using violence as a means of expression, unifies sovereign state institutions, pushes towards their development and activation, and obligates the government to equally provide services to all citizens.”
Another meeting between Saleh and Al-Mishri will be held immediately after the Eid Al-Adha holiday.