The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has emphasized that forming a unified government is a crucial step that must precede national elections, warning that ongoing political divisions continue to undermine stability and governance in the country.
In a statement released this week, the mission said that based on consultations and surveys conducted across Libya, a majority of Libyans believe that establishing a single, unified government is essential before holding elections.
UNSMIL noted that the existence of parallel administrations has deeply affected citizens’ daily lives and hindered the fair and effective management of national resources.
The mission referred to the 2024 UN Security Council resolution, which calls for “the creation of a unified Libyan government capable of governing the entire territory and representing all Libyans.” It stressed that Libya’s current electoral laws also require a single government to oversee the election process to ensure legitimacy and transparency.
UNSMIL reaffirmed its readiness to assist Libyan leaders in reaching a comprehensive and equitable agreement on the formation of a new interim government with a clearly defined mandate. It underscored that this process must align with international standards of good governance, accountability, and transparency.
The mission also drew attention to lessons from past transitional experiences in Libya, where temporary governments were formed without clear electoral timelines, leading to political stagnation and renewed division. This time, UNSMIL said, the focus should be on first agreeing on the rules for elections, unifying state institutions, and improving governance and economic management.
The UN mission called on Libya’s political actors to demonstrate responsibility and commitment to national unity, stressing that only a unified government can effectively prepare the country for credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections that reflect the will of the Libyan people.
