The authorities are of the opinion that it is “impossible” to hold the elections, for which even the candidate lists are not prepared. The election commission of the Libyan parliament stated that it was “impossible” due to technical and legal problems to adhere to the December 24 deadline foreseen for the elections and requested the postponement of the elections.
The Election Commission also proposes that the presidential elections be postponed for one month and held on January 24, together with the parliamentary elections.
The presidential election was expected to be postponed due to the worsening of the security situation in the country and discussions about the legal basis of the elections. The parliamentary elections, which were originally planned to be held on December 24, were also postponed for one month due to the power struggle between rival political groups.
Both elections were planned to ensure internal peace as a continuation of the democratization process initiated under the auspices of the United Nations after the ceasefire in Libya in October 2020. However, tensions in Libya, where different political groups are active, have escalated again in recent months.
17 people who wanted to participate in the elections as candidates on Monday called for the postponement of the elections and the announcement of the official candidate list to the public.
Candidate list not announced
Among the public that they are candidates for the presidential election are Seyfulislam Gaddafi, son of Libya’s murdered leader Muammed Gaddafi, General Khalifa Haftar and the prime minister of the transitional government in Libya, Abdulhamid Dibeyde. However, the candidacy of these three names is controversial. Son Gaddafi and Haftar are accused of committing war crimes. Dibeyde’s candidacy was rejected on the grounds that he violated the requirement that candidates leave his post at least three months before the election date. However, the objection made to this decision was accepted and the way for Dibeyde’s candidacy was opened.
It is estimated that a total of 100 candidates applied to the Election Commission.
Fear of escalation of violence
International observers, on the other hand, warn that violence may flare up again during the election period. While a large area in eastern Libya is under General Haftar’s control, other candidates are active in different parts of the country.
Richard Norland, the US ambassador to Libya, called on the parties to act with restraint today and said, “Now is not the time for unilateral initiatives or armed operations. Instead, progress is made on the elections that the people expect.”
AFP,dpa/HS,SSB
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