On Monday, the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament, Ageela Saleh stated that “a two-round Presidential election is a move designed to hinder and delay the electoral process.”
He revealed that, “so far, no official legislation from the 6+6 Joint Committee – which is responsible for overseeing the election’s regulatory aspects – has been received for consideration.”
Saleh voiced his concerns during a Parliament session in Benghazi on Monday.
He stated that “according to the 13th Constitutional Amendment, neither the Parliament Speaker nor the Head of the High Council of State (HCS) has the right to sign off on the outcomes of the Committee’s discussions on crafting electoral legislation.”
The Speaker further clarified that his trip to Morocco was “strictly to respond to an invitation aimed at garnering political support for the Committee’s agreement.”
Saleh asserted that “the Parliament has met its responsibilities concerning the electoral mandate. It has issued the constitutional base, and the 13th Constitutional Amendment, established the 6+6 Committee, and previously enacted the laws for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.”
These comments underscore the ongoing challenges and potential obstacles in the way of Libya’s electoral process, highlighting the need for transparent and effective laws to ensure a smooth and timely political transition.
Notably, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iraq welcomed the results of Libya’s 6+6 Joint Committee. The Arab countries called for the Libyan parties to “formally sign the electoral laws, as an important step towards ending the crisis, and enhance security and stability in the country.”
The Committee, which is mandated by the Libyan Parliament and the HCS agreed on laws regulating Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for the end of this year.
The announcement was made at the conclusion of the Committee’s meetings in the Moroccan city of Bouznika.
In a press conference the Head of the Parliamentary delegation, Jalal Al-Shuwaidi explained that they had completed laws for both elections. They are now awaiting the Parliament and HCS Speakers, Ageela Saleh and Khaled Al-Mishri, for the final decision on these laws.
Al-Shuwaidi confirmed that the Committee “was not subjected to pressure or interference from Morocco or from abroad,” expressing his thanks to the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting the committee’s meetings, and his appreciation for its efforts in support of Libya.
