The UN is forming a committee of Libyan experts to address electoral issues and facilitate national elections, which have been stalled since December 2021. The initiative arises amidst calls for political unity and skepticism among the public regarding the intentions of political leaders.

The United Nations is initiating a new effort to resolve the ongoing electoral impasse in Libya through the creation of a technical committee comprised of Libyan experts. This development was announced by Stephanie Koury, the acting head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), in a video statement on Sunday. The committee will address contentious issues pertaining to electoral laws and explore strategies to facilitate national elections as soon as possible, including establishing guarantees and a timeline.

Libya’s descent into conflict began following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising, which led to the toppling of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. Since 2014, the nation has been divided between eastern and western factions, each controlled by rival administrations. A Government of National Unity (GNU), formed in 2021 under Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, was backed by the UN; however, its legitimacy is now questioned by the parliament. The situation has led to widespread skepticism among the Libyan populace regarding the intentions of political actors who appear reluctant to hold elections that might jeopardize their power.

The UN’s renewed commitment to resolving Libya’s electoral challenges represents an essential step toward fostering a stable political landscape in a nation long plagued by discord. By convening a committee of experts, the UN endeavors not only to address legal hurdles but also to instill confidence among Libyans yearning for a resolution to their protracted crisis. As this process unfolds, the international community watches attentively, hopeful for a return to democratic governance in Libya.

Original Source: www.newarab.com