The United Nations is forming a committee of Libyan experts to address the electoral impasse following the failed elections in December 2021. The initiative aims to resolve legal disputes and expedite the electoral process amidst ongoing political instability in Libya, where the Government of National Unity faces challenges to its legitimacy.
In a new effort to address the ongoing election deadlock in Libya, the United Nations is convening a technical committee comprised of Libyan experts. This initiative, discussed by Stephanie Koury, acting head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), aims to navigate the contentious issues that have hindered the electoral process since the collapse of the December 2021 elections. The committee is tasked with resolving outstanding legal complications and proposing strategies to facilitate timely elections in the nation.
Following a decade of unrest and political instability since the 2011 uprising, Libya’s political landscape remains fractured, with the Government of National Unity (GNU) under Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah challenged by a parliament that no longer recognizes its legitimacy. Al-Dbeibah has expressed his determination to hold elections before yielding power to any new government.
The UN’s involvement seeks not only to expedite the electoral process but also to promote the unification of the nation’s military and security forces. Despite the general consensus among Libyan political factions supporting elections, there exists substantial public skepticism regarding their true intentions. Many citizens fear that the existing political elites may not genuinely desire a vote that risks removing them from power.
Libya has faced an intricate political crisis following the NATO-supported uprising in 2011, which ousted the Gaddafi regime. Since then, the country has endured protracted conflict and a fragmented political system characterized by rival governments, particularly between eastern and western factions. The failure of the proposed elections in December 2021 further complicated the situation, as disputes over candidate eligibility halted the political process, leading to increased calls for action from international bodies such as the United Nations.
In summary, the United Nations’ latest initiative to assemble a committee of Libyan experts signifies a critical step towards resolving the election impasse in Libya. As the country navigates its complex political landscape, the success of this endeavor will depend heavily on the collaboration of its political actors and their genuine commitment to the electoral process. The international community remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for lasting stability and reconciliation in Libya.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
