Libyan MP, Abdul Moneim Al-Arfi has claimed that the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba’s recent call for a permanent constitution could extend the ongoing crisis in Libya. He asserted that reaching a consensus on a unified constitution remains challenging.
In a press statement, Al-Arfi remarked, “If we were to agree on this matter, the Committee of 60 would have succeeded in ratifying a constitution, agreed upon by all Libyan cities and regions.”
Dbaiba, while receiving a delegation from Zintan elders emphasized, “It is crucial that our collective goal is to conduct elections and issue a permanent constitution for Libya, to ensure its stability.”
This development comes amid Libya’s prolonged political impasse, with debates and discussions continuing over the drafting and ratification of a constitution for the country.
Last month, Al-Arfi expressed concerns over potential amendments to Libya’s electoral laws. He believes that opening the door to such changes could reset progress back to square one. Al-Arfi’s statement highlights the delicate nature of electoral reform in Libya’s political landscape.
Recent talks in Bouznika, Morocco, saw significant but incomplete progress in resolving electoral law disputes. According to Fathi Al-Mirimi, Adviser to the Speaker of Parliament, the discussions addressed key points, but left controversial issues unresolved. These unresolved issues include the eligibility of military personnel, dual nationals, and individuals with final court decisions. The commission, tasked with these talks, aims to build consensus for comprehensive electoral laws to be presented to the Libyan Parliament.
Al-Arfi warned of the risks associated with formulating electoral laws that could lead to the exclusion of potential candidates. He argued that certain groups in Libya might try to exclude specific personalities, which could threaten the entire electoral process. Ensuring the participation of all parties is crucial to convey the election results effectively. Al-Arfi emphasised the need for fair candidate opportunities, and the acceptance of electoral results by all parties.
The 6 + 6 Joint Committee, working on the electoral law issue, reported a breakthrough regarding the election of the President, and the involvement of political parties in the Parliamentary elections. However, the details of the agreement were not specified. The Joint Committee called for the formation of a unified government to facilitate electoral events, stressing the importance of prioritising the interests of the Libyan people in this transitional phase.