Libyan MP, Abdel-Moneim Al-Arfi has made a significant statement concerning elections in Libya. Al-Arfi declared that “any election outcomes would be unacceptable if they were supervised by the Government of National United (GNU) headed by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, whose term has expired.”
During a television interview, Al-Arfi emphasized that Dbaiba “does not represent any group that would warrant his objection to the electoral laws and constitutional base.” He pointed out that the GNU, “is merely an executive body and should not interfere with the electoral process.”
Al-Arfi accused Dbaiba of clinging to power, and creating parallel entities to maintain his hold. This statement comes in light of Dbaiba’s earlier proclamation that he would not step down, until elections are conducted, and the Libyan people choose their leader.
The remarks by Al-Arfi highlight the ongoing political tension in Libya, with different factions expressing distrust towards the current government’s role in the electoral process. This situation underscores the challenges Libya faces in achieving a stable, and democratically elected government.
Notably, the Libyan Parliament has officially refused to participate in any dialogue involving the GNU, which it describes as “having an expired mandate.” This announcement was made in a brief statement released on Tuesday morning.
Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN Envoy and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stated on Monday that “all parties have not rejected participation in a dialogue aimed at forming a new unity government.” This government is envisioned to oversee the transition to Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
During a session held on Wednesday, the Libyan Parliament, responding to a request from 39 MP’s, agreed to refuse participation in any political dialogue involving the GNU. The session also emphasised the necessity of debating the Parliament’s involvement, in any dialogue within the parliamentary forum.