On Wednesday, the Head of Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Emad Al-Sayeh received the UK Ambassador to Libya, Martin Longden, and his accompanying delegation.
The meeting focused on ways to support the electoral process in Libya, and the readiness of the Commission to conduct the elections.
Longden expressed his appreciation for the efforts exerted by HNEC in preparation for the municipal council elections. He reiterated his government’s readiness to provide technical and advisory support to the Commission.
This support aims to enhance its readiness, and create a conducive environment for the implementation of the upcoming electoral milestones.
HNEC plays a crucial role in ensuring transparent and fair elections in Libya.
As Libya moves forward in its democratic transition, the readiness and effectiveness of the Commission are of utmost importance. Collaboration with international partners, such as the United Kingdom, will contribute to strengthening capabilities and ensuring the successful conduct of future elections.
The Commission continues to work diligently to prepare for the upcoming elections, and ensure that the electoral process reflects the will of the Libyan people.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres called on the key Libyan stakeholders to engage in the initiative launched by the UN envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily.
Guterres added that the Libyan leaders should engage in the initiative in good faith and in a spirit of compromise to break the current political deadlock.
He explained that the engagement would pave the way for inclusive, credible and transparent elections in Libya.
Notably, Bathily criticized Libyan officials for “clinging to their seats”, urging the UN Security Council to intervene and prevent their failure to serve the Libyan people.
In a briefing to the Security Council, Bathily highlighted the approval of two laws on presidential elections by the Libyan House of Representatives. He emphasised that, for the first time since the thwarted elections in December 2021, Libya possesses a constitutional and legal framework for upcoming elections.
Bathily said that HNEC is technically prepared, and emphasised the national mood for a new political deal. He cautioned against a group of officials clinging to power, urging action to prevent failure and regional chaos.
Bathily urged building on this progress and revealed that he invited leaders from the top five institutions in Libya to a meeting. He emphasized their role in either advancing the political process or perpetuating the stalemate, which contradicts the unity desired by ordinary Libyans.