UN Efforts to Break Libya’s Electoral Stalemate

The United Nations is taking steps to stimulate the electoral process in Libya by establishing a technical committee of experts tasked with addressing electoral disputes and facilitating national elections, amidst ongoing political instability and skepticism.

The United Nations has initiated a new effort to address the electoral impasse in Libya by forming a technical committee comprised of national experts. This initiative aims to tackle ongoing disputes regarding electoral laws and advance the country towards long-awaited national elections, as articulated by Stephanie Koury, the acting head of the UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL). This development follows the failure of the planned elections in December 2021 due to disagreements over candidate eligibility.

The newly established committee will seek to resolve critical issues hindering the electoral process, including providing potential guarantees and establishing a feasible timeline for elections. Although the Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, was established in 2021 through UN support, its legitimacy is now challenged by the current parliament, which does not recognize it. Dbeibah insists that he will not relinquish power without a national election.

Libya has faced ongoing turmoil since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011, leading to a division between eastern and western factions that has perpetuated instability. Despite calls from political leaders for elections, widespread skepticism among the populace persists regarding their intentions, as many fear that elections could undermine their positions of authority. Koury emphasized that UNSMIL would continue to promote the unification of Libyan military and security forces while fostering national reconciliation efforts with various partners.

In 2011, Libya underwent a significant political upheaval with a NATO-backed revolution, resulting in the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. Since then, the country has been embroiled in conflict, reflected in a fractured political landscape characterized by power struggles between rival factions. The establishment of the Government of National Unity in 2021 marked an attempt to stabilize the country and facilitate elections; however, disputes over the legitimacy of authorities and unresolved electoral issues have stymied progress towards democratic governance.

The UN’s latest efforts to rejuvenate the electoral process in Libya reflect a critical response to over a decade of conflict and stagnation in political reform. The formation of a dedicated expert committee signifies a renewed commitment to overcoming legal obstacles and establishing a framework for timely elections. Whether these efforts can genuinely address the skepticism surrounding political leaders’ motivations, however, remains to be observed.

Original Source: www.newarab.com