The first meeting of political and civil forces in Libya has adopted a multi-track roadmap initiative to re-launch the political process, according to a statement by the Peacebuilders Network in Libya.
Emphasising the centrality of local governance in this initiative, the statement highlights its key strengths and provides ample room for further discussion.
The concluding statement by representatives of Libyan political parties, professional unions, and civil society institutions participating in the forum confirms their agreement on the multi-track initiative in principle. Although they emphasised the need to modify aspects related to the number of states or provinces.
The statement recommends the establishment of a platform “as a space for ongoing dialogue and coordination, expanding participation in this initiative, and deepening discussions surrounding it.”
The initiative presents a proposal for a roadmap addressing the current political deadlock, and re-launching the political process. The overall approach of the initiative focuses on providing guarantees to conflicting parties through agreement on a consensual framework for organising elections, and renewing the legitimacy of institutions. It also paves the way for further consensus on contentious issues related to the decade-long conflict, laying the foundation for national reconciliation.
The initiative introduces what it terms a “comprehensive package solution,” focusing on finding solutions to six key issues: resource management and distribution, local governance, security and military institutions, elections and the constitution, and finally, foreign interventions. It stresses the need to address these issues as “essential components of the solution itself.”
The proposed committee derives its legitimacy from UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2015-2259, adopted on 17 December 2015, which endorsed the political agreement. It also draws on Article 64 of this agreement, in addition to previous agreements reached by Libyan parties. These collectively reaffirmed support for an inclusive political process led by Libyans, facilitated by the United Nations, and backed by the international community, including the resumption of consultations among Libyans to create conditions for conducting elections based on a sound constitutional basis.
