Nizar Kawan, the Deputy Head of the Democratic Party and a member of Libya’s High Council of State (HCS), survived an assassination attempt.
The Democratic Party released a statement confirming that they have seized the vehicle used in the attack. The incident occurred as Kawan was leaving an HCS session on Tuesday. Security personnel managed to capture one of the attackers’ vehicles. Authorities are now investigating the details of the incident.
The party’s media office confirmed that Kawan has reported the assassination attempt to the Attorney General’s office and is completing the necessary legal procedures to uncover the circumstances of the attack.
The HCS session on Tuesday was held to elect a new council president, a meeting that sparked intense debate and discussion. The controversy arose over a disputed vote for Mohammed Takala, as his opponent, Khaled Al-Mishri, won by a single vote, receiving 69 votes to Takala’s 68.
On Tuesday, Takala announced a re-run of the elections for the High Council of State President on August 20, pending judicial resolution.
Takala stated that this timing aims to “prevent an open-ended situation that could be exploited by those seeking to impose division on the council,” and described it as a “compromise solution that preserves achievements and avoids division,” following consultations with council members.
Takala’s decision follows a controversy over the voting process. During the session, it was initially announced that Takala received 68 votes while his rival, former council president Khaled Al-Mishri, received 69 votes. However, disputes arose regarding the validity of one member’s vote, who wrote Takala’s name in an incorrect section of the ballot.
Takala decided to seek a ruling from the Administrative Court to determine the presidency. Meanwhile, Al-Mishri insisted that Takala should step down before any legal proceedings. Takala defended the validity of the disputed ballot, presenting it in a video, which showed the voter writing Takala’s name on the back of the paper.
Takala emphasized that “re-running the election is a genuine opportunity for everyone to prove their merit in the eyes of the council members,” and stated, “Anyone who believes they are the most deserving should not fear another round of voting.” He concluded by noting that “while the elections reflect a significant degree of power transition, they remain incomplete in the absence of delayed general elections.”
Earlier, Al-Mishri declared, “I consider myself the legitimate president of the State Council,” based on the election results. He warned that any further escalation would be a “conspiracy against the council,” and added, “We know who is attempting to end the council’s role.”
