On Tuesday, the Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives (HoR), Ageela Saleh, firmly rejected any attempts to infringe upon Libya’s parliamentary powers and mandates. His remarks were made in the presence of Fortune Charumbira, the President of the Pan-African Parliament, during a significant meeting in Benghazi.
Saleh stressed the imperative for a unified stance from the African Parliament, advocating for robust support of the Libyan HoR and the adherence to its legislative enactments. This ensures that no government functions without parliamentary consent.
Saleh’s pronouncement is a clear stand against the potential overreach into the legislative domain in Libya, underscoring the sanctity of the powers vested in an elected parliament. He highlighted the crucial role of the United Nations (UN) mission in facilitating the adherence to electoral laws passed by the Libyan parliament. He emphasised the HoR’s autonomy from agreements made with unqualified parties.
In response to the upcoming meeting orchestrated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), aimed at bringing together various Libyan factions, Saleh outlined his conditional participation. He emphasised the necessity of the presence or absence of a legitimately elected government. This is a testament to his commitment to ensuring legitimacy and proper representation in such discussions.
The Parliament Speaker also addressed the ethical and legal inconsistencies of withdrawing confidence from a government official, only to engage in subsequent discussions, labeling such actions contrary to legal and moral standards. He advocated for the establishment of a focused, interim government, dedicated solely to the facilitation of elections, ensuring that electoral laws are inclusive and devoid of any form of discrimination.
Saleh’s discourse reaffirms the principle of Libyan-to-Libyan consensus, which is predicated on ensuring every Libyan’s right to participate in the electoral process, whether as a candidate or a voter, without facing exclusion or marginalization. His statements signify a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the legislative integrity of Libya while steering the nation toward a more inclusive and democratic electoral future.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Moammar 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 oil production and price fluctuations, 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 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.