On Saturday, the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament, Ageela Saleh, took a firm stance against Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba and the High Council of State (HCS), amid the backdrop of ongoing protests in Derna. This development casts a spotlight on the deep political rifts in Libya’s journey towards democratic governance.
In a gathering with Derna’s prominent figures, Saleh openly criticized Dbaiba’s understanding of the term “fair laws,” suggesting that he “frequently misuses the phrase without comprehending its true significance. “
This critique underscores the escalating tension between the Parliament and Dbaiba’s government, highlighting the complex interplay of power in Libya’s political landscape.
Saleh also stood by the electoral laws formulated by the 6+6 Joint Committee and enacted by the House, emphasizing their fairness and inclusivity. These laws are at the heart of Libya’s ongoing debate regarding the legal framework for future elections, a pivotal issue for the nation’s path to stability and democratic rule.
Further intensifying the political discourse, The House Speaker also accused the HCS of being “an obstructionist body to the legislative process.” He adamantly denied the Council or its leader “any right to modify electoral laws,” marking a significant division between these influential political institutions in Libya.
Saleh’s strong stance was also evident in his refusal to engage in discussions facilitated by Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN Envoy to Libya, setting his participation conditional upon the involvement of Osama Hammad’s rival government. This requirement reflects the intricate, and often contentious negotiations characteristic of Libyan politics.
In a notable announcement, Saleh revealed plans for the formation of a new, miniature government by the end of December, with the goal of leading Libya towards unified governance and subsequent elections. This initiative points to efforts aimed at streamlining the government, in preparation for a critical phase in Libya’s political journey.
Addressing the recent protests in Derna, which erupted following the deadly flooding, Saleh dismissed these demonstrations as not representative of the city’s residents. He described these protests, which demand the dissolution of the Parliament, as “attempts to stir unrest,” shedding light on his perspective regarding regional dissent within Libya.
Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has faced ongoing challenges, including political fragmentation, security concerns, and the absence of a cohesive government. Saleh’s remarks vividly illustrate the current challenges in Libya’s political environment as the nation seeks a stable and democratic future.
As the situation in Libya continues to evolve, Saleh’s statements have stirred the political milieu, underlining the necessity to address key legal and constitutional issues for conducting fair and inclusive elections. The international community remains closely engaged with Libya’s progress, as it navigates these critical stages in its pursuit of peace and stability.