On Thursday, the Chairman of Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Emad Al-Sayeh held talks with the Sudanese Ambassador; Osman Al-Bashir, the Ambassador of Niger; Isid Kato, the Chargés d’Affairs of the Nigerian and Malian Embassies to discuss the latest developments in Libya.
The meeting, which was held in Tripoli, came as part of the international community’s support for Libya’s democratic process.
In a statement, HNEC indicated that the discussion focused on enhancing cooperation among all African Union members. They also discussed HNEC’s preparations for Libya’s elections.
During the meeting, the diplomats praised the efforts made by the elections commission to “provide an optimum atmosphere for holding the long-awaited elections, in accordance with the highest international standards.”
They also stressed the importance of strengthening relations between African electoral institutions, and supporting HNEC in completing the country’s democratic path. This will positively reflect on the security and stability of neighbouring African countries.
On his part, Al-Sayeh reiterated that the commission is “technically ready to hold the country’s Presidential elections, as it is the only solution to break the current political impasse.”
Libyans are waiting for the stalled elections to take place, in the hope that the vote will contribute to ending years of armed conflict that have plagued the oil-rich country.
Presidential elections in Libya were scheduled for 24 December 2021. However, along with the Parliamentary elections, it was postponed indefinitely over technical and legal issues, according to the Commission.
The elections are part of a roadmap adopted by the UN-sponsored Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF). This aimed at restoring peace to the country after years of political turmoil and violence.
Notably, Libya is politically torn between Fathi Bashagha, who was elected by the Libyan Parliament to lead the country in February, and incumbent Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, who refuses to relinquish power.
Tensions have been rising for months in Libya as the two Prime Ministers vie for power; rising fears of renewed conflict two years after a landmark truce.