Libyan meeting calls for December elections to be held as planned

GENEVA – SEPT 19, 2021 – At a three-day meeting in Switzerland, dozens of participants in Libya’s political transition endorsed the importance of holding planned presidential and parliamentary elections in late December to reduce the risk of renewed conflict and called on authorities to produce the laws for the polls in the most consensual way possible.

Convened by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), the latest round of consultations focused on addressing the rising challenges and uncertainty in Libya’s political process since breakthrough ceasefire declarations in August 2020 created the best prospects for peace after almost a decade of violence, division and turmoil.

The 50 attendees – from various backgrounds and institutions, including the House of Representatives, the High Council of State and the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum – were united in their concern that a failure to hold the elections or any attempt to deprive Libyans of their political and democratic rights would likely result in a return to conflict.

They agreed it was critical to conduct the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 24, 2021 based on a consensual legal framework and in accordance with the Roadmap agreed by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in November 2020.

The HD-hosted meeting also outlined a set of measures to address concerns and improve conditions for holding the elections on time. These recommendations will form the basis of a short report that HD will share with the relevant Libyan and international stakeholders.

“In light of recent developments, HD reiterates its commitment to the Libyan political process and the holding of elections as outlined in the Roadmap and in line with the will of the Libyan people,” said Romain Grandjean, HD’s director for Middle East and North Africa.

“We also reiterate our support to Libyan institutions in advancing the political process and the path towards elections.”