…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media. UN envoy Abdoulaye Bathily has expressed concerns about a deal between rival factions in Libya regarding the long-awaited elections.
The agreement, reached after talks in Morocco, addresses legal steps for holding the elections but falls short of resolving all key issues.
Bathily’s report to the UN Security Council highlights politically contested matters that could potentially trigger a new crisis in the divided country.
Politically Contested Issues in the Election Deal:
One of the most significant challenges identified by Bathily is the eligibility criteria for presidential candidates.
This criterion has been a major point of disagreement between the rival administrations.
Additionally, the linkage between presidential and parliamentary elections and the formation of a new unified government are also contentious issues.
Bathily emphasizes that these matters require a political agreement among major stakeholders and key constituencies across the Libyan political spectrum.
Failing to reach such an agreement may render related provisions unimplementable and potentially lead to a new crisis.
The Importance of Compromise and Inclusion:
Bathily urges Libyan decision-makers to adopt a spirit of compromise and reach a political agreement.
He emphasizes the need for buy-in and inclusion of all major stakeholders to ensure a successful electoral process.
This approach would require consensus-building and cooperation among various factions within the country.
Background on Libya’s Ongoing Conflict:
Since the NATO-backed revolt that toppled Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, Libya has been plagued by more than a decade of stop-start conflict.
The country has experienced a fragmented political landscape, with numerous militias forming alliances supported by external powers.
Currently, Libya is divided between an interim government in Tripoli and another in the east, backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar.
Haftar’s critics accuse him of seeking to establish a military dictatorship in Libya.
The United Nations has been actively involved in facilitating the electoral process, aiming for elections to be held before the end of the year.
Conclusion:
The challenges surrounding the Libyan election deal, as highlighted by UN envoy Abdoulaye Bathily, indicate potential risks that could lead to a new crisis in the country.
The eligibility criteria for presidential candidates and the issues of linking presidential and parliamentary elections and forming a new unified government are critical points of contention.
To mitigate these risks, Libyan decision-makers are urged to prioritize compromise and inclusivity, ensuring the involvement of all major stakeholders.
The United Nations continues to support efforts to overcome these challenges and facilitate a successful electoral process in Libya.