The UN announced a plan to resolve the political deadlock and overdue elections in Libya
Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative for Libya and acting head of the United Nations Support Mission in the country, NO TIP, Introducing the ambassador about this initiative a day after presenting it to the people.
This process, supported by the UN, includes the establishment of an advisory committee to review outstanding issues in election law and make feasible proposals on an overall roadmap for organizing voting.
The commission will include “experts and respected figures who reflect the range of political forces, social elements, culture and geography of Libya,” she said. via video conference.
Facilitate dialogue and promote integration
UNSMIL also intends to work with Libyan partners to convene a structured dialogue to strengthen consensus around a unified national vision for the country’s future.
“Ensuring the full, equitable and meaningful participation of all sectors of society – especially youth and women – remains a priority for UNSMIL to promote inclusiveness, build civil solidarity ethnic groups and enhance the legitimacy of the political processshe said.
“I hope that this process can create an important legacy and support the eventual completion of the constitution-making process.”
A decade of division
Libya has been in a state of political instability since former President Muammar Gadaffi was overthrown in 2011.
The country has been divided between two rival administrations since 2014, with the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) based in the northwest and the Government of National Stability (GNS) , located in the east.
The landmark election was scheduled to be held in December 2021 but was canceled due to several factors, including a dispute over the eligibility of candidates.
Libyans want national elections
Ms. Koury began her speech by congratulating the Libyan people for successfully organizing the first phase of local elections on November 16.
“The holding of these elections is a reminder that the Libyan people yearn to exercise their right to choose their rulers.she said.
The top official took over her position eight months ago. Since then, she has “met Libyans from all walks of life and they have repeatedly conveyed to me a sense of urgency and the need to hold national elections.”
She told the Council that Libyans are worried about the future of their country.
“The status quo is unsustainable and has existed for too long,” she said, noting that “unilateral actions pursued by the political elite have deeply eroded Libya’s institutions into parallel and competitive architecture”.
A boy runs past buildings damaged by shelling during the conflict, on his way home from shopping in the city of Sirte.
Challenges need to be overcome
Ms. Koury said she is concerned about the growing challenges that need to be overcome.
She described the recent reappointment of the Central Bank Board as “an important milestone”, after resolving a leadership impasse and suspension of operations for more than a decade.
“To effectively implement monetary policy and contribute to economic stability, The Central Bank’s leadership and Council must be free to act independently, transparently and with integrityno conflicts of interest, coordinate with other supervisory organizations,” she said.
Arbitrary arrests and regional instability
Meanwhile, arbitrary arrests and detentions continued, and she called on the authorities to allow UNSMIL unhindered access to all detention centres.
She added: “I am very concerned about deaths in custody. “Since I last informed the Council, four Libyans, including two women, have died in custody. There needs to be a transparent investigation into these deaths and those responsible must be held accountable.”
Furthermore, regional instability is also having a serious impact on Libya. She said that since the start of the conflict in neighboring Sudan in April 2023, “exponentially increasing numbers of Sudanese refugees” have crossed the border, with an average of 400 to 500 arriving everyday.
‘Seize the opportunity’
Presenting her plan to the Council, Ms. Koury called on the international community to support it.
“Libya’s guns remain largely silent, but that’s it neither stable nor peacefulshe said.
“Amid persistent foreign involvement, regional changes and growing economic headwinds, we must come together to seize the opportunity to achieve a lasting political solution. ”
She emphasized that the success of the plan “first requires the political will and commitment of Libyan actors to refrain from unilateral actions that continue to cause division and institutional polarization.”
However, she reiterated that “unity of purpose and coordinated support from Libya’s regional and international partners” are equally important.
“The Libyan people have shown that they not only want change but are also capable of reaching agreements through compromise and achieving lasting progress and holding elections. And they need your unified support,” she said.
