In a significant political development, Ageela Saleh, the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament has called for the immediate implementation of the country’s election laws, as they currently stand. This call was made during the opening session of the Parliament in Benghazi on Tuesday.
Saleh highlighted that these laws, crafted by the specialized 6+6 Joint Committee, are in line with the 13th constitutional amendment. He stressed the importance of “respecting and adhering to these laws, given that they were established by the only legislative authority, recognized under the constitutional declaration and the political agreement.”
Further, Saleh expressed his concerns regarding “any objections or hindrances to the implementation of these laws by entities other than the legislative authority.” He underlined the unreasonableness and inacceptability of such interventions.
In relation to the initiative of Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN Envoy, aimed at convening key political figures to resolve contentious issues surrounding the elections, Saleh expressed reservations. He specifically opposed the participation of Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Saleh’s objection stems from the fact that the “Parliament has withdrawn its confidence from the GNU, and that Dbaiba’s role in political affairs has ceased, as his government’s term has concluded.” He affirmed that “the legitimate government is the one endorsed by the Parliament, led by Prime Minister-designate Osama Hmmad.”
This statement underscores the ongoing complexities in Libyan politics, particularly in relation to the electoral process, and the role of various political entities.
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 Dbaiba to step down.