UNSMIL has formed a committee to tackle electoral issues in Libya as the country approaches over a decade of conflict, following a failed election process in December 2021. The committee comprises 20 members, who will present proposals to facilitate elections. Meanwhile, public skepticism towards political leaders’ commitment to the electoral process persists amid ongoing divisions.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has established a new committee aimed at addressing the major obstacles preventing the long-awaited national elections in Libya. This initiative follows the collapse of the electoral process initially scheduled for December 2021, primarily due to controversies surrounding the eligibility of key candidates.
Since the NATO-supported uprising in 2011, Libya has faced ongoing instability and division, leading to two rival governments—one based in the east and another in the west. The newly formed advisory committee consists of 13 male and seven female members who will convene for the first time next week in Tripoli to discuss potential solutions.
UNSMIL clarified that the committee’s primary role is to develop technically and politically viable proposals related to electoral challenges. These recommendations will be presented to the Mission to inform future political processes, although the committee is not responsible for making decisions or facilitating dialogue.
The advisory committee members were selected based on their professional expertise in legal, electoral, and constitutional matters, as well as their capability to foster compromise amid Libya’s complexities. Despite past attempts at unification, the Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al-Dbeibah faces challenges from the rival House of Representatives (HoR) in Benghazi, which refuses to recognize the GNU’s legitimacy.
Al-Dbeibah remains committed to transferring power only after national elections are conducted, amidst widespread public skepticism regarding the intentions of Libyan leaders. Many citizens suspect that political actors are reluctant to call elections that could jeopardize their authority.
UNSMIL further noted that Libyans are increasingly aware of how political divisions adversely affect the nation’s stability and sovereignty. The HoR, elected in 2014, coexists with a High State Council in Tripoli, formed as part of a 2015 political framework stemming from the 2012 parliamentary elections. In a recent development, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Hanna Serwaa Tetteh of Ghana as the new special representative for Libya and head of UNSMIL, succeeding Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal.
Libya’s political landscape has been tumultuous since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, leading to an ongoing struggle between rival factions for control. The political divide intensified after the election scheduled for December 2021 failed, exacerbated by disputes over candidate eligibility. The establishment of the advisory committee by UNSMIL is a crucial step towards addressing electoral disputes and reinforcing the political process, which is essential for national stability and coherence.
The formation of the advisory committee by UNSMIL signifies a deliberate effort to break the stalemate in Libya’s political process. By facilitating discussions aimed at resolving contentious issues regarding national elections, this initiative holds the potential to restore legitimacy and stability in the country. Nevertheless, skepticism among the population regarding the motives of political leaders may hinder the progress necessary for true democratic governance.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
