As the new year begins, the Libyan people continue to dream of a better future, despite the political divisions and the presence of two opposing governments in the east and west.
Libyans are still clinging to a glimmer of hope that keeps them alive, despite the collapse of state institutions for over a decade, the militias’ control of the western region, and the unfair distribution of revenues.
Services and utilities have deteriorated, the healthcare system has all but collapsed, and power outages have become the norm. However, successive governments are still promising to resolve these crises.
The international community has not lifted a finger regarding the need for the Libyan Parliament and the High Council of State (HCS) to reach an agreement on a constitutional basis for elections. It also turns a blind eye to the presence of mercenaries and Turkish forces in western Libya.
In the New Year, Libyans hope that the electricity cuts will be resolved, salaries will be paid to government employees, militias will be dissolved, and government and military institutions will be unified as soon as possible. They also aspire to hold Presidential and Parliamentary elections, provide job opportunities for youths, as well as have local hospitals be able to provide basic treatment.
Libyans were bitterly disappointed at the failure to hold the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, which were scheduled for 24 December 2021.
The failure resulted from disagreements between the various parties in drawing up a consensual constitutional basis, necessary for the elections and setting the conditions for candidates. Especially those related military figures and dual nationals, whose candidacy is supported by the Libyan Parliament, and rejected by the HCS.
The differences over the election laws continue between the two bodies. The intervention of former UN advisor to Libya, Stephanie Williams has also failed to reach a compromise in this regard.
After the failure to approve the constitutional rule, despite holding more than 10 meetings in 2022, the Tobruk-based Parliament decided to assign a new government, headed by former Interior Minister Fathi Bashaga.
The government was tasked with holding the long-awaited elections, amid accusations that the Tripoli-based government was behind their disruption to remain in power.
But the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba refused to hand over power to the new government. All of this resulted in what is called the “Crisis of Two Governments” one in Tripoli, and the other in Sirte.
However, the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) said many times that it is ready “technically” to hold the Presidential elections…
So, will the dreams of the Libyan people come true in 2023?