The US Special Envoy to Libya, Richard Norland emphasised the need for elections to resolve the ongoing crisis in the country. In an interview with Al-Masry Al-Youm, Norland stated, “There is a shared vision regarding the importance of having a credible roadmap for elections, which I consider the key to solving the crisis.”
He confirmed that elections are feasible, and highlighted that although some mercenaries, referring specifically to Russia’s Wagner fighters, have been disrupting stability, “the Libyan people are calling for a political settlement.”
“Libya is still divided, but all Libyans want a political solution and to conduct elections,” Norland explained. He further advocated for all armed groups to be under a unified security framework, involving a consensus-based army and police force.
The US Envoy also proposed the idea of a temporary technocratic government, whose sole purpose would be to lead the country towards elections. He insisted that all parties must negotiate the terms of this government.
Norland expressed support for the efforts of UN Envoy, Abdoulaye Bathily, emphasising that everyone should sit down to agree on a roadmap for elections. According to Norland, the “elections should answer two essential questions: Who can run for office? And which government will lead the country to the polls? These discussions should be conducted in a neutral and fair manner,” although he acknowledged the negotiations would be “challenging.”
These remarks point to a growing international consensus on the urgent need for a political solution to Libya’s complex crisis, primarily through free and fair elections.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.
The current stalemate grew out of the failure to hold elections in December 2021, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, who is leading the transitional government, to step down.