Libyan Prime Minister Discusses Roadmap for National Elections with UN Envoy

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Arpit Soni

Libyan Prime Minister Discusses Roadmap for National Elections with UN Envoy

Tripoli, April 27: Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah engaged in discussions with a United Nations envoy to explore pathways for resuming the long-delayed national elections and resolving the country’s political divisions.

According to the government’s Hakomitna news platform, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya, Hanna Tetteh, briefed Dbeibah on a UN-backed roadmap. This roadmap aims to unify governmental institutions and prepare for direct elections.

Tetteh noted that the recent UN-sponsored “mini-dialogue” is part of the initial phase of this roadmap. It focuses on finalizing electoral laws and establishing a board for the High National Election Commission.

Dbeibah reaffirmed his government’s support for initiatives that propose practical and implementable solutions to maintain a path toward a civil state. He emphasized the necessity of clear routes to ensure electoral laws are fulfilled and direct elections occur, aiming to eliminate divisions within institutions and respect the will of the voters.

According to news agency Xinhua, Tetteh reiterated the UN mission’s ongoing support for fostering consensus among all Libyan parties to create a conducive environment for the success of the political process and large-scale elections.

This meeting comes amid rising public debate over unconfirmed reports of a roadmap related to the restructuring of the executive authority. Activist groups from Misrata have rejected this proposal, labeling it a threat to the country’s freedom.

It is important to note that protests against Muammar Gaddafi’s 42-year rule began in Libya in February 2011, escalating into armed conflict. Gaddafi’s regime was overthrown in August 2011, and he was killed on October 20, 2011, in his hometown of Sirte.

Since then, Libya has been divided, with the United Nations-recognized Government of National Unity in Tripoli and an eastern administration supported by the Libyan National Army led by Commander Khalifa Haftar.

Earlier, on April 22, the UN’s top envoy for Libya stated that stalled political progress, a deteriorating economy, and ongoing institutional disagreements are pushing the country towards greater instability.

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