The Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily expressed his views on the work of the 6+6 Joint Committee, in a briefing before the Security Council on Monday.
Comprised of members from the Libyan Parliament and the High Council of State (HCS), the Committee’s efforts were commended by Bathily. However, he noted that “this step is not enough to resolve all the outstanding issues in the way of the elections.”
Bathily further elaborated during the briefing: “We have followed the reactions to the outcomes of the 6+6 Committee, and this has highlighted that there are still several contentious issues.”
“The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has contacted the concerned parties expressing its concerns about the loopholes and shortcomings in the proposed election laws by the Committee.”
Notably, Bathily affirmed the continued support of UNSMIL and the international community for the Libyan elections. He also praised the readiness of HNEC to organize the elections, in accordance with international standards and principles.
The Chairman of HNEC, Emad Al-Sayeh received Bathily and his accompanying delegation, where they reviewed a number of issues related to the elections, the latest developments in the electoral process, and ways to support current proposals and steps.
Bathily also discussed ways to provide technical and advisory support, which would enhance the Commission’s readiness and create an appropriate environment for holding the elections.
He also noted that the Board of Commissioners “shared some concerns about the electoral laws under discussion. I welcome their commitment to maintain readiness, and urge all concerned stakeholders to resolve remaining points of contention and come to an agreement on a legal framework, to lead the country to elections as soon as possible.”
On Sunday, the Head of Libya’s Presidential Council Mohamed Al-Mnifi received Bathily in Tripoli.
Bathily confirmed the UN Mission’s readiness to coordinate efforts with the Presidential Council, and other Libyan factions in refining the legal structure for the upcoming elections.
“This collaborative effort aims to foster unity among all involved parties, and progress consensus on multiple pathways,” he added.
In the course of the discussion, Al-Mnifi briefed the UN Envoy on the outcomes of his recent dialogues with various Libyan factions. These interactions revolved around deliberating the results from the 6+6 Joint Committee, established to formulate the election laws.
In turn, the Bathily commended the ongoing partnership with the Presidential Council, highlighting the importance of enhancing cooperation among all Libyan factions in devising consensual laws, which can pave the way for fair and transparent elections.
