Spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Stephane Dujarric expressed his concerns about the latest developments in Libya. This is after the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba announced he would refuse to hand over power to another transitional government.
“The United Nations is concerned about the path that Libya is currently heading, and that Libyan leaders must focus on the interests of their people first, achieve the unity of power, and the unity of their country,” Dujarric said in a statement.
Notably, Dbaiba stated that he would not accept more transitional stages in Libya. He vowed that his government will continue to fulfil its duties, until handing over power to an elected government.
In a televised speech, Dbaiba said that he will withdraw from the Presidential race if other candidates withdraw too. “Only elections will end the transitional stages,” he claimed.
Dbaiba added that he would defy a planned vote in Parliament to replace him on Thursday, raising the prospect of two rival governments running in parallel. “We will not retreat from our role in government, until elections are achieved,” he said.
The PM pointed out that he had begun consultations, to begin a new election process in June.
On the other hand, the Libyan Parliament unanimously adopted a new political roadmap for the next stage, and will vote on choosing a new Prime Minister on Thursday.
Parliament Speaker, Ageela Saleh announced the articles of the roadmap. These stipulate that the elections shall take place within a period not exceeding 14 months.
Earlier, Saleh stated that the GNU’s mandate has expired, and it cannot continue in office.