The UN has postponed Libya’s elections originally set for December 24 due to legislative issues. Special Advisor Stephanie Williams emphasizes the public’s desire for democratic elections and urges the House of Representatives to set a new date within 30 days. The UN continues to support Libya’s electoral process amidst ongoing dialogue and recent progress toward reconciliation despite past conflicts.
The Special Advisor to the UN, Ms. Stephanie Williams, emphasized the importance of Libya’s upcoming elections during her recent visit aimed at fostering political dialogue. Despite efforts to hold elections on December 24, the High National Elections Commission announced a postponement citing issues with electoral laws and candidate eligibility. The Commission has requested the House of Representatives to establish a new date within 30 days for the presidential election’s first round.
Ms. Williams highlighted the strong desire among Libyans for democratic participation, stating that elections should be a solution to the nation’s challenges. She reaffirmed her commitment to assist Libyan authorities in addressing the electoral hurdles to ensure a transparent, fair process for the 2.8 million registered voters. In her discussions, she urged relevant stakeholders to prioritize creating a stable environment conducive to elections, emphasizing that recent challenges should not disrupt Libya’s progress.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed these sentiments through his Deputy Spokesperson, calling for respect for the Libyan people’s will and the necessity for elections to culminate the political transition. He stressed that Williams would continue to facilitate a Libyan-led process addressing existing challenges to enable timely elections.
Throughout her visit, Williams engaged with various regional stakeholders, noting significant advancements since the signing of the ceasefire agreement in 2020. The prevailing calm in the country has allowed her to traverse key routes previously impacted by conflict, marking a shift towards dialogue over aggression. Moreover, despite the ongoing struggles of many Libyans, she observed moments of reconciliation and hope, including families reunited, indicating a gradual return to normalcy.
The recent announcement of postponed elections in Libya underscores ongoing challenges within the electoral framework. Ms. Williams’ commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution and the call from Secretary-General Guterres reflect the international community’s support for Libyan democracy. As stakeholders work to address these issues, the sentiment among the populace for inclusive and fair elections remains strong, presaging a hopeful future for Libya’s political landscape.
Original Source: news.un.org
