A country scarred by a decade of conflicts, Libya has prompted the United Nations to redouble its efforts to bring the nation back on the path to national elections. A technical committee of Libyan experts will soon be convened, according to an announcement by the acting head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Stephanie Khoury.
Since the cancellation of elections scheduled for December 2021, Libya’s political landscape has remained fragmented. Disagreements over the eligibility of key candidates have plunged the country into a stalemate, hampering any hopes for lasting stabilization. Libya, divided between rival factions in the East and West since 2014, continues to endure fragmented institutions and incessant power struggles.
The committee of experts, supported by UNSMIL, will be tasked with developing concrete solutions to resolve contentious issues surrounding electoral laws. According to Ms. Khoury, this group will aim to propose safeguards and a clear timeline to hold inclusive and transparent elections as soon as possible. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reunify military and security institutions while promoting national reconciliation.
Currently, the Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, remains in power under a UN-backed agreement from 2021. However, its legitimacy is increasingly challenged by the Parliament, which refuses to recognize it. Mr. Dbeibah has declared that he will not step down until national elections are held, further exacerbating tensions with his political adversaries.
Despite repeated declarations from political actors in favor of elections, much of the Libyan population remains skeptical. Many doubt the genuine willingness of these leaders to allow a vote that could strip them of their positions and privileges. “Promises are no longer enough. Libyans are waiting for action, not speeches,” says a political analyst based in Tripoli.
Libya continues to endure the consequences of the 2011 uprising, which led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi with NATO’s support. Since then, the country has experienced only brief periods of stability. Internal divisions, exacerbated by foreign interference and the absence of strong institutions, have paralyzed efforts for national reconstruction.
For the UN, this new initiative represents a crucial opportunity to revive constructive dialogue among the various actors and bridge still-divergent positions. “UNSMIL will continue to support efforts for national reconciliation and institutional reform to enable Libya to return to the path of peace and prosperity,” stated Ms. Khoury in a video address.
However, Libyans, worn down by years of conflict and unmet promises, are waiting to see if this initiative can turn words into tangible and concrete actions. In the meantime, Libya’s future remains precarious, teetering between hope and uncertainty.
