Libyan rival delegations resumed talks in Morocco to address a political deadlock and avoid further chaos. Divided since 2014 into eastern and western administrations, the negotiations involve the High Council of State and the House of Representatives. The stalled political process follows the collapse of the planned December 2021 elections amid candidate eligibility disputes.
Delegations representing contrasting Libyan institutions reconvened in Morocco on Wednesday, aiming to address a prolonged political impasse and avert further unrest in the region. Since 2014, Libya has been embroiled in turmoil, having divided into rival eastern and western administrations following the NATO-backed fall of Muammar Qaddafi in 2011. The negotiations are taking place in Bouznika, close to the Moroccan capital, involving the High Council of State from Tripoli and the House of Representatives from Benghazi.
During the initial session, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized the importance of unity and the need for credible electoral preparations. He stated, “The numerous international and regional conferences on Libya will not replace the inter-Libyan dialogue which has credibility and ownership.” The path toward establishing a stable political framework has been significantly hindered since the December 2021 elections were canceled due to disputes over candidate eligibility.
The House of Representatives, elected in 2014, was charged with guiding the nation through its political transition. Under the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement forged in Skhirate near Rabat, the High State Council was formed as a consultative body. However, the House later established its own government, asserting the expiration of the national unity government’s mandate, which further entrenched Libya’s division between east and west, despite the lack of influence from the newly formed eastern government.
The political landscape in Libya has been tumultuous for over a decade, characterized by a split between eastern and western administrations. Following the toppling of Muammar Qaddafi in 2011, Libya’s political scene has faced significant challenges, leading to a civil conflict that intensified into a fractured governance system. The failure of the December 2021 elections marked a critical point in the attempts to unify the country under a stable government, necessitating renewed dialogue among its major political factions.
In conclusion, the resumption of talks in Morocco signifies a crucial step towards potentially resolving Libya’s longstanding political deadlock. The emphasis on unity and credible elections reflects a growing need for reconciliation between the two rival legislative bodies. As international and regional influences continue to shape Libya’s future, the success of these discussions may dictate the nation’s trajectory towards recovery and stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
