In a significant political gathering, Ageela Saleh, the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament met with representatives from over 30 political parties in Al-Qubbah, Libya. The meeting, which also saw the presence of council member, Abdelhadi Al-Saghir centered on accelerating the process towards holding elections in Libya.
The parties emphasized the urgency of conducting these elections, in accordance with the existing electoral laws. They stressed the need for forming a unified government to oversee the electoral process, and support the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) in fulfilling this national mandate.
The parties have requested amendments to Law No. 29 of 2012, which regulates political parties. This proposed amendment is set to be reviewed by the Parliament’s Legislative Committee.
This meeting marks a pivotal moment in Libya’s ongoing efforts to stabilize, and democratize the country. The call for legal reforms and the push for a unified government to oversee elections reflect the collective aspiration for a more structured, and democratic governance system in Libya. The outcome of these discussions and the subsequent actions by the House are eagerly awaited by Libyan’s and the international community, as they could significantly influence Libya’s political landscape.
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.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.