On Wednesday, the Head of Libya’s Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Mnifi affirmed his readiness to “support any initiative that allows elections to be held before the end of 2023.”
Al-Mnifi’s remarks came during his meeting with the German Ambassador to Libya, Michael Ohnmacht in Tripoli.
They discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations, and touched on the latest political developments in the country.
Ohnmacht appreciated the Presidential Council’s “important role in pushing forward the file of reconciliation. In addition to its commitment to holding dialogues with all Libyan parties to maintain the country’s unity.”
He added that “all Libyans deserve a life in peace and security.” Therefore, he “welcomes the efforts of the UN Envoy to consolidate peace and strengthen the unity of Libya.”
In March, Ohnmacht expressed support for the initiative of the United Nations Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, to secure elections by the end of 2023.
In a tweet, the German Ambassador confirmed his support for the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to hold elections.
During his latest briefing to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Bathily announced a mechanism to bring together the various Libyan parties.
This includes representatives of political institutions, prominent political figures, tribal leaders, civil society organizations, security actors, and representatives of women and youth, to facilitate the adoption of a legal framework and a binding timetable for holding elections in 2023.
The UNSC welcomed the gradual progress of the new constitutional amendments in Libya. It affirmed its support for holding elections in the country, according to a statement seen by Italy’s news agency, Nova.
“Individuals or entities that threaten the peace, stability or security of Libya, or hinder or undermine the successful completion of its political transition, can be designated under sanctions by the Security Council,” the UNSC warned.
It emphasized the need for “a new impetus” to ensure a legal basis and political agreement, essential for the holding of free, fair, transparent, inclusive, and secure Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 2023.
The statement affirmed the UNSC’s strong support for Bathily as a “mediator to promote a political process in line with the pertinent Security Council resolutions.”