On Thursday, the newly-elected President of the High Council of State (HCS), Mohamed Takala held a meeting with Abdoulaye Bathily, UN Envoy and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
The meeting was also attended by Takala’s First Deputy, Masoud Aabeid and Second Deputy, Omar Al-Abidi.
The talks revolved around the current trajectory of Libya’s political process. Highlights of their discussion included the results from the 6+6 Joint Commission, a joint entity tasked with shaping electoral laws.
The dialogue also touched on potential pathways to bolster Libya’s stability, initiatives for national reconciliation, and strategies to end the current crisis and achieve comprehensive social justice.
Bathily extended his congratulations to the HCS’ new leadership, underlining his hope and vision for a peaceful and stable Libya. He voiced optimism about continued collaboration to further the nation’s interests.
In the initial round of last Sunday’s elections, Khaled Al-Mishri led with 49 votes, while Takala trailed with 39 out of 129 attending members. Other contenders, Naema Al-Hami and Nakhi Mukhtar, secured 4 and 36 votes respectively, with two blank ballots cast.
Interestingly, in August, the HCS had re-elected Al-Mishri as its President, with 65 endorsements against his opponent Ajili Abu Sidil’s 50.
The HCS holds its office elections annually. The office structure comprises a President, a First Deputy representing the South, and a second Deputy representing the East, while both the President and the HCS Secretary represent the West, in line with the HCS’ internal regulations.
Since its establishment in December 2015, the HCS saw Abdel-Rahman Al-Sweihli serve two consecutive terms, after which Al-Mishri dominated with five consecutive terms as President.
With a fresh face now leading the HCS, Libya anticipates new directions, and decisions in its ongoing political dialogue.
Libya has seen a tumultuous decade since the 2011 revolution that led to the ousting and eventual death of its long-time leader, Muammar Gaddafi. Following Gaddafi’s fall, the country spiralled into chaos, with multiple factions vying for control, leading to prolonged periods of civil war and instability.