The Chairman of Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Emad Al-Sayeh received the French Ambassador to Libya, Mostafa Mihraje, and his accompanying delegation.
In a statement, HNEC noted that the meeting discussed the latest developments in the electoral process. Al-Sayeh and the French delegation also “reviewed ways to support national proposals and initiatives that seek to hold elections, and keep peace and stability in the country.”
“The meeting comes as part of France’s support for the electoral process in Libya,” the statement added. Mihraje affirmed his support for HNEC’s efforts to “continue to achieve free and credible elections that reflect the will of the Libyan people.”
In January, Al-Sayeh and Mihraje discussed the difficulties facing Libya’s stalled electoral process.
The meeting touched on the extent of HNEC’s readiness, and willingness to implement the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
They also reviewed the capabilities available to HNEC, in terms of human, technical, and logistical resources. As well as ways of continuing technical support to maintain the commission’s readiness, once a political consensus is reached. This includes international support provided to HNEC through the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), to enhance the electoral knowledge and skills of HNEC staff.
Notably, the UN Envoy to Libya and UNSMIL Head, Abdoulaye Bathily held a meeting with Ambassador Mihraje in Tripoli, in January.
During the talks, the two reviewed the latest political developments in the country. They also discussed the need for the international community to take unified action, to support a sustained path to peace and stability.
Bathily said that “it is critical that peace, stability, and legitimate institutions are restored in Libya.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.