On Tuesday, the French Ambassador to Libya, Mostafa Mihraje reiterated his support for Libya’s stability, unity, and sovereignty.
In press statements, the Ambassador urged the 6+6 Joint Committee to “expedite the completion of electoral laws,” and emphasized the importance of stability in ensuring free and fair elections in Libya.
“France does not interfere in Libyan affairs, but as a permanent member of the Security Council, it has to show an interest in finding ways for solving its crises,” the Ambassador noted.
“Everything we do is within the framework of the international community, and in support of the UN-led initiative to hold Libyan elections at the end of this year,” Mihraje added.
The French diplomat stressed that France is in direct contact with the UN Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily and all stakeholders. This is to address the differences over the constitutional base, and meet the aspirations of the Libyan people to choose their leaders.
In February, Bathily announced the launch of an initiative aimed at enabling legislative and Presidential elections in the country this year and will set up a High-Level Steering Panel.
According to the UN Envoy, the proposed mechanism will bring together all relevant Libyan stakeholders, including representatives of political institutions, major political figures, tribal leaders, civil society organizations, security actors, women, and youth representatives.
Bathily noted that the initiative will facilitate the adoption of the legal framework and time-bound roadmap to the holding of elections in 2023. The proposed Panel will also “provide a platform to advance consensus around related matters, such as election security and the adoption of a Code of Conduct for all candidates,” he added.
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.
