UN’s New Initiative Targets Libya’s Political Deadlock and Elections

The UN has launched a plan to resolve Libya’s political deadlock and facilitate long-awaited presidential elections. The proposal includes creating an advisory committee to address electoral issues and foster inclusive dialogue, with a focus on ensuring equal participation from all societal segments. The situation remains complex due to ongoing political divisions, arbitrary detentions, and challenges stemming from regional instability. Support from the international community is deemed essential for achieving a lasting political resolution.

The United Nations has announced a fresh initiative aimed at addressing the longstanding political stalemate in Libya and facilitating the overdue presidential elections that are pivotal for restoring legitimacy within the country’s institutions. During a briefing to the Security Council, Stephanie Koury, the Deputy Special Representative for Libya and acting head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), outlined plans that include the formation of an advisory committee tasked with reviewing electoral laws and establishing a comprehensive roadmap for the elections.

The proposed advisory committee will comprise experts and distinguished individuals from diverse Libyan political factions, as well as various social, cultural, and geographical backgrounds. The initiative emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusive dialogue among Libyans to develop a cohesive national vision for the future. Ms. Koury reiterated that ensuring equal participation of all societal groups, particularly youth and women, is essential for fostering inclusivity and building national unity.

Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has experienced significant political turmoil and division, currently fragmented between the Government of National Unity in the northwest and the Government of National Stability in the east. Although landmark elections were scheduled for December 2021, they were postponed due to disputes concerning candidate eligibility. The recent successful local elections on November 16 serve as a reminder of the Libyan populace’s desire for democratic engagement.

Addressing the urgent call from citizens for national elections, Ms. Koury expressed concern over the prolonged status quo, which undermines the legitimacy of Libyan institutions. She acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the country, including arbitrary detentions and regional instability exacerbated by conflicts in neighboring Sudan, which have led to an influx of refugees.

To ensure stability and advancement towards elections, Ms. Koury called upon the international community to support the UN’s initiatives and emphasized that political will from Libyan leaders is crucial. She asserted, “Libya’s guns largely remain silent, but it is neither stable nor at peace,” highlighting the critical need for cooperative efforts to achieve a lasting political settlement. Success will be contingent upon unity among Libyan factions and coordinated support from international and regional partners, as the Libyan people have demonstrated their capacity to progress through compromise and consensus.

Libya has undergone a tumultuous decade following the downfall of its longtime ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011. This period has been marked by significant political fragmentation, characterized by two opposing governments vying for control: the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) based in the northwest and the Government of National Stability (GNS) in the east. Planned elections have frequently been delayed, primarily due to political disagreements and the lack of a cohesive electoral framework. The latest UN initiative seeks to break this deadlock and facilitate a return to democratic governance.

In conclusion, the UN’s newly announced plan for Libya represents a critical step towards overcoming political impasses and restoring the electoral process that has been stalled for far too long. By establishing an expert advisory committee and promoting inclusive dialogue among Libyan factions, the initiative aims to build a consensus for the future direction of the country. The successful implementation of this plan depends on the commitment of Libyan leaders and the collective support of the international community, as the Libyan populace demands actionable change and democratic governance.

Original Source: news.un.org