Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), held a meeting at the General Command headquarters with Osama Hammad, Prime Minister of Libyan Government-designate and Emad Al-Sayeh, Chairman of the High National Election Commission (HNEC), in the presence of the Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces and the Deputy Minister of Interior.
According to the government’s media office, the meeting focused on the preparations for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections and the importance of cooperation between various institutions to ensure the success of the electoral process.
The Commander expressed his full support for the efforts of the High National Election Commission in achieving free and fair elections that reflect the will of the Libyan people. He emphasized the importance of concerted efforts among all parties to advance the electoral process.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar 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 fluctuations in oil production and prices, 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 has 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.
