Berlin II Conference on Libya concluded on Wednesday and urged in its final statement the Libyan interim executive authority to make the necessary preparations for holding free and transparent elections in December.
“More needs to be done to address and resolve the underlying causes of conflict, consolidate Libyan sovereignty, build on the progress made, and restore peace and prosperity for all Libyans. National Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for 24 December 2021 need to take place as agreed in the Roadmap adopted by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) in Tunis in November 2020, and their results need to be accepted by all.” The statement reads.
It said the necessary constitutional and legislative arrangements must be adopted and all foreign forces and mercenaries need to be withdrawn from Libya without delay, adding that the security sector needs to be reformed and placed firmly under unified, civilian authority and oversight.
“A transparent and fair allocation of resources across the country must be ensured. Human rights violations and abuses as well as violations of international humanitarian law must be addressed and a process of inclusive, comprehensive and rights-based national reconciliation and transitional justice needs to begin. Inclusive intra-Libyan dialogue must continue.” The statement adds.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to refrain from interference in the conflict or in the internal affairs of Libya and urged all international actors to do the same, calling on the House of Representatives, the interim Presidential Council and the interim Government of National Unity to take further steps to reunify the country.
“We commit to supporting these authorities to the extent possible upon their request. We ask all Libyans to facilitate the full extension of the authority of the interim Presidential Council and the interim Government of National Unity throughout Libya and encourage the Libyan authorities and institutions to fully carry out their duties and responsibilities in the discharge of their mandate.” They added.
They called on the House of Representatives, the interim Presidential Council, the interim Government of National Unity and relevant authorities and institutions to make the necessary preparations for and hold free, fair and inclusive national Presidential and Parliamentary elections on 24 December 2021, including urgently and in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2570, the clarification of the constitutional basis for elections and the enactment of legislation as necessary, as set out in the LPDF Roadmap, arrangements to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and the inclusion of youth, and to provide adequate funding for the High National Elections Commission (HNEC).
“We commit to comprehensive support for the interim Government of National Unity, as appropriate and upon its request, in its efforts to prepare the country for these elections.” The statement explained.
