US Supports UN Calls for Credible Elections in Libya

The US Envoy to Libya, Richard Norland affirmed his strong support for UN calls for Libyan leaders to “seize on outcomes of the recent meetings in Morocco, to complete the next steps towards credible elections.”

Norland said the elections “should be based on compromise in the interests of the Libyan people,” according to the call of the UN Envoy for Libya Abdoulaye Bathiy.

Notably, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) called on all Libyan actors to “engage, in a spirit of compromise, to address all outstanding issues and create a safer and more conducive environment for the holding of elections in 2023.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Mission urged all players to “refrain from delay tactics aimed at prolonging the stalemate, which has caused so much suffering for the people of Libya.”

UNSMIL said it has taken note of the outcome of the work of the 6+6 Parliament-High Council of State (HCS) Committee which met in Bouznika, Morocco. The meeting aimed to develop draft electoral laws for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. The Mission appreciated the efforts made by the Committee, and thanked the Moroccan government for hosting the meetings.

UNSMIL reaffirmed its commitment to the holding of transparent, inclusive, and credible elections to allow the people of Libya to choose their representatives freely, and renew the legitimacy of the country’s institutions.

“UNSMIL recognises that important elements of the electoral laws and associated issues require buy-in and support from a broad range of Libyan institutions, civil society representatives, including women and youth, and political and security actors, to allow inclusive, credible and successful elections to take place,” the statement said.

The UN Mission also pledged to continue to work with all relevant Libyan institutions, including the Presidential Council, to facilitate a process amongst all actors. This is to address the contested elements of the electoral framework, secure the necessary political agreement on the path to elections, and enable a level playing field for all candidates.