Election postponement initiative stirring up debate in Libya

Mustafa Kamel

The initiative launched by Vice-President of the Libyan Presidential Council, Abdullah al-Lafi, to postpone until March 2022, the elections that should be held on December 24 has sparked a state of resentment across Libya.

Those opposing the initiative say it contradicts international and local efforts to hold the elections according to schedule.

The same initiative prompted Head of the Presidential Council, Muhammad al-Manfi, to confirm his support for holding genuine and fair elections as scheduled.

Initiative                           

The initiative of the vice-president of the Presidential Council aims to postpone the general elections due to disagreement among the political parties.

The parties say the elections do not have a constitutional basis, which is sparking controversy in Libyan circles.

The initiative proposes opening channels of communication between the Presidential Council, the parliament and the Supreme Council of the State to reach consensus on the constitutional base and election laws.

It also proposes that the Presidential Council form a committee to study the election laws.

The joint committee is expected to propose to the parliament a series of constitutional and legal amendments this month.

In case of approval by the parliament, the election law will be referred to the High Electoral Commission.

In the event of incompatibility, the committee formed by the Presidential Council will present the two draft election laws by presidential decree for issuance. The Presidential Council will also issue the election laws by presidential decree, while working to mobilize popular and international support for this decision.

The High Electoral Commission will invite potential candidates to field their election applications on December 14.

The names of eligible candidates will then be declared ten days later. There will be a chance for disqualified potential candidates to appeal the decision of the election commission.

The commission will then announce the final list of candidates on January 2.

The election campaigns will then be allowed to start, with the first round of presidential and legislative elections to begin in early March.