The Head of Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Emad Al-Sayeh has called on the 6+6 Joint Committee to engage with the commission for a comprehensive discussion on election laws. This call comes amid numerous concerns over the committee’s outputs, due to limited communication during the law formulation process.
Furthermore, Al-Sayeh mentioned that the Parliament has issued a law under which the commission is now responsible for local elections. He also revealed that the executive regulations for municipal elections will be released. These are expected to be implemented in the first quarter of 2024.
Notably, the Libyan Parliament’s Spokesman, Abdullah Blaiheg stated that the Parliament forwarded its observations regarding the Presidential and Parliamentary election laws to the 6+6 Joint Committee.
He added that this comes after significant objections concerning key elements, including the mandatory requirement for Presidential candidates to undergo two election rounds.
In a recent interview with the Al Hadath TV channel, Blaiheg highlighted the paradox of the current system. Under the present electoral laws, a Presidential candidate might amass 90% of the votes in the primary round, but still not be declared the winner.
Such candidates, as per current stipulations, are compelled to proceed to a second round.
Given this, the Parliament is advocating for a modification allowing the possibility of determining results, within the inaugural round itself.
Shedding light on the Parliament’s authority, he remarked that they do not have the right to modify the draft laws received from the 6+6 Committee.
Nevertheless, he articulated the council’s ambitions of facilitating a smoother mechanism, and establishing a mutual agreement. “Achieving universal consensus is a tall order. The focus remains on establishing concurrence on the fundamental issues, ensuring that the electoral outcomes resonate with all stakeholder parties,” the Spokesman stated.
In his concluding remarks, the official elaborated on the mandate of the 6+6 Committee. The body is responsible for the formulation of such laws, after which drafts are relayed back to the Parliament for enactment, all in alignment with the guidelines of the 13th Constitutional Amendment.
