Libyan MP, Abdel-Moneim Al-Arfi has ardently rejected any oversight from the United Nations Mission (UNSMIL), led by UN Envoy, Abdoulaye Bathily. This is regarding the electoral laws formulated and endorsed by the 6+6 Joint Committee, and the Libyan Parliament.
His strong stance opens a new chapter in the dialogue surrounding electoral processes and international involvement, particularly from bodies like the UN.
Al-Arfi, not mincing words in recent press statements, underscored that the Parliament has directed the electoral laws to the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), which now bears the responsibility for orchestrating the technical preparations for the electoral process. This procedural development comes amidst a politically charged environment, where the nuanced roles of national bodies and international missions are under scrutiny.
He further elucidated that the role of the councils is confined to accepting the results of the Joint Committee’s efforts, an obligation grounded in the thirteenth constitutional amendment. Al-Arfi commended the Joint Committee and its members, acknowledging their national efforts in ensuring the path towards elections.
Moreover, the MP stressed the need to end divisions, and forge a new government. The primary mission of this prospective government would “pivot on accomplishing electoral milestones, creating a unified national front, and mitigating divisive elements within the governance structure.”
Pointedly, he delineated that the role of UNSMIL should “center around reconciling viewpoints among political factions, and should not extend to having authority over electoral laws.” This perspective underscores a fundamental discussion regarding the extent of international involvement in national processes, particularly in the context of establishing electoral norms and procedures.
This stirs a plethora of questions and contemplations regarding the trajectory of electoral processes, the legitimacy of international oversight, and the overarching imperative for government unity and aligned electoral frameworks. It positions the ongoing discourse in a delicate balance, where the symbiosis between national autonomy and international collaboration becomes ever more pivotal, in shaping the future political and electoral landscape of the nation.