United Nations: The political process in Libya must not remain hostage to the inaction of the main parties

In a briefing she presented – via video – to the Security Council, today, Friday, Ms. Hannah Tetteh said that two of the priorities of the roadmap are: “You’re not done yet” – They are restructuring the Board of Directors of the High National Elections Commission, and considering amendments to the constitutional and legal framework for the elections recommended by the Advisory Committee – formed by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)Unsmile) earlier this year – and approved.

She noted that implementation was delayed ‘Reflects a lack of confidence’ Between the House of Representatives and the Supreme Council of State, as well as “Their internal divisions, and their inability to overcome their differences and agree on a way forward to resolve the current impasse.”

Ms. Tetteh said that it is necessary to accomplish these two tasks to hold credible elections in the country, and stressed that it is advisable for the Electoral Commission to have “A board of directors with a quorum to manage the process of holding what will be the most important elections in the country’s history.”

She said the council, which currently does not include any representatives from eastern Libya, has enough members to achieve a quorum to conduct business, which has enabled municipal elections to be held across the country – a process that is helping to restore legitimacy in local governance. She said that the UNSMIL mission – which she heads – will continue its work with the Commission to facilitate the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections.

The Special Representative noted that the Electoral Commission announced its readiness to begin preparations for the presidential and parliamentary elections from April 2026, and called on key political actors to facilitate agreement on the legal framework in this regard.

What is the roadmap?

The UNSMIL roadmap focuses on three main pillars to achieve elections and stability in the country. These pillars include:

🔹Electoral framework: Develop and adopt a sound electoral law for presidential and parliamentary elections, address previous shortcomings, and strengthen the capacity and independence of the High National Elections Commission.

🔹Consolidated institutions: Form a new, unified government capable of governing effectively across the country, replacing fragmented authorities and managing the functions of the state.

🔹Organized dialogue: Engage various Libyan political and societal voices throughout the roadmap to build a common vision, formulate policies, and create conditions for holding elections by addressing issues of governance, economics, security, and reconciliation.

Initiate a structured dialogue

At the beginning of this week, UNSMIL launched the inaugural meeting of the Structured Dialogue, which is… “The first operation of this size to be held on Libyan soil,” According to Ms. Tetteh. She said that the organized dialogue brings together a representative spectrum of Libyan society, including 124 Libyan figures representing institutions and different categories of stakeholders, including women and youth.

The Special Representative explained that the dialogue is expected to contribute to facilitating the creation of political conditions for a peaceful electoral process, and to help maintain peace and stability in the post-election period. She said he would walk “Parallel to the other routes of the road map, and will not be a substitute for any of the main stations identified.”

added: “I am pleased to report the positive and constructive spirit demonstrated by members in both the plenary session and the four thematic tracks of the structured dialogue. They also reflected a sense of responsibility towards the Libyan people to address the pressing issues facing the country that directly affect their lives.”

Continuing human rights violations

Ms. Tetteh said she remained deeply concerned about human rights violations, including violence against women, migrants and minorities, and deaths in detention. She added that the killing of Mrs. Khansaa Al-Mujahid in Tripoli late last month, “It sends a worrying message to women about participation in public life, and threatens to silence them at a time when their contribution is most needed.”

It called on the authorities to expedite a fair and transparent investigation, prosecute those responsible, and take urgent measures “To ensure that all Libyans are able to safely participate in civic activities without fear, including the enactment of the Violence Against Women Law.”

Challenges that can be overcome

As Libyans prepare to celebrate their Independence Day on 24 December – the date originally set for national elections in 2021 – Ms Tetteh said the country’s path towards elections “It is still fraught with difficult complications, but we believe they can be overcome.”

She called on all Libyan leaders to respond to the demands of the people and overcome their differences for the sake of the unity and safety of the Libyan state, and to achieve the well-being of the Libyan people. She said: “The true spirit of independence lies in the ability of a nation to forge its own destiny through unity, paving the way for a secure and sovereign state, a government with the support of the majority of its citizens, renewed legitimacy, and unified institutions. This is what we are working for.”