The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) confirmed the receipt of an official memorandum from the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Ageela Saleh, containing the recently approved electoral laws.
This development is a significant step in Libya’s ongoing efforts to establish a stable and democratic political framework.
UNSMIL said that it respects the Libyan sovereign institutions and the national ownership of political solutions.
However, it emphasised that these solutions must be consensual and implementable ensure a smooth electoral process and sustainable peace and stability in Libya.
UNSMIL said it is fully committed to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders, fostering dialogue, and working toward a compromise that serves Libya’s best interests. Part of this endeavor involves exploring the establishment of a unified government, a crucial element in achieving lasting peace and stability in the nation.
In the coming days, UNSMIL, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the implementability of the approved electoral laws.
The mission said it aims to provide transparent and informed insights into the viability of these laws. This is a vital step in ensuring the legitimacy and effectiveness of the upcoming electoral processes.
Notably, the United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, voiced his astonishment in a letter to Ageela Saleh regarding the sudden and unilateral approval of new electoral laws.
Previously, thorough discussions conducted in July and September had brought forth a consensus between Bathily and Libyan authorities. This ensured that the communications concerning national matters, particularly electoral legislation, between the Parliament and UNSMIL would traverse through formal and agreed-upon channels.
Furthermore, there was a mutual understanding that proposed electoral legislation would be shared directly with UNSMIL, before final presentations and discussions in the HoR.
Contrary to these agreements, Bathily was startled to find that the legislations, crafted by the 6+6 Joint Committee, were “not only received by Saleh but were also presented and approved in a HoR session, without adherence to the established communication and review protocols with UNSMIL.”