Libijske politične stranke so na pogajanjih pod vodstvom ZN določile načrt za dve leti pred volitvami

Libya’s rival political factions have agreed on a two-year plan to hold national elections, marking a potential turning point in the country’s ongoing political deadlock. The agreement was reached during UN-led talks in Tripoli, where representatives from Libya’s main political groups signed a formal accord aimed at resolving longstanding disputes over electoral laws and restructuring the nation’s election authority. This decision comes after nearly a decade of instability and failed attempts to establish a stable democratic system. The political process in Libya had been stalled since the December 2021 election collapsed due to disagreements over candidate eligibility. The collapse further deepened divisions among the country’s competing factions, which have struggled to agree on a unified approach to governance and electoral reforms. The recent agreement, however, signals a rare moment of consensus among key stakeholders, even though challenges remain in translating this into actual change. The talks were conducted under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, or UNSMIL, with the signing ceremony taking place in the capital city of Tripoli. The discussions were preceded by a series of smaller, more focused meetings known as the 4+4 format. These sessions brought together two representatives from each of Libya’s four primary institutions: the Government of National Unity (GNU), the High Council of State, the House of Representatives, and the Libyan National Army. This structure allowed for more direct dialogue between the country’s most influential political entities. Walid Ellafi, the state minister for political affairs and communications in the GNU, emphasized that legislative and presidential elections should occur “within a period not exceeding 24 months.” He stressed the need for a single executive authority and unified national institutions to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Meanwhile, Shibani AbuHamoud, representing the Libyan National Army’s general command delegation, outlined plans for the 4+4 group to collaborate with UNSMIL to draft a detailed implementation framework within one month of the agreement’s signing. This framework would address all logistical and procedural aspects necessary for carrying out the elections. According to the terms of the agreement, if the House of Representatives and the High Council of State fail to approve the deal within a month, the parties will pursue broader national mechanisms to ratify the agreement as a constitutional document. International support, particularly from the United Nations Security Council, will also be sought to bolster the legitimacy and enforcement of the new electoral framework. Since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has remained politically fragmented and unstable. The country split in 2014, with eastern and western factions forming separate governments, leading to prolonged conflict. However, a significant ceasefire in 2020 has reduced large-scale warfare, allowing for renewed diplomatic efforts. Despite these developments, many Libyans remain skeptical about the prospect of elections, fearing that such a move might undermine their current positions of influence. All major political actors in Libya have consistently called for elections as a means of restoring stability and legitimacy. Yet, public sentiment remains divided, with some citizens expressing concerns that participation in future elections could lead to the loss of power for those currently in control. As the path toward elections begins to take shape, the success of this initiative will depend on the ability of political leaders to navigate both internal and external pressures while ensuring the voices of ordinary Libyans are heard.