The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said Wednesday it had repeatedly warned against unilateral initiatives in addressing the political stalemate in Libya, referring to the approval of a roadmap and the announcement of nominations for a new government by the House of Representatives (HoR).
UNSMIL added in a statement that the political process in Libya was at a critical stage that required an inclusive political agreement with the buy-in and participation of all major stakeholders.
“Unilateral actions, like similar attempts seen in the past, could inflict serious negative consequences for Libya and trigger further instability and violence.” The statement reads.
UNSMIL indicated that Libya was already suffering from deep divisions, and such moves could cause further polarization amongst the Libyan people, who had been suffering for over a decade.
This statement apparently serves to respond to the recent tension between the Head of UNSMIL, Abdoulaye Bathily, and the 6+6 Joint Committee – formed to draft electoral laws by the House of Representatives (HoR) and High Council of State (HCS).
The Joint Committee called on Bathily and UNSMIL to halt their endeavors that aimed to impose certain fait accompli on Libyans, asking them to rally support around the HoR and HCS, unifying state institutions through forming a new unified government and holding elections.
Bathily has been intensifying his engagement with major stakeholders to facilitate a political settlement to make the draft laws implementable, agree on a new unified government, and enable successful elections without delay.
The statement explained that UNSMIL had delivered its comments regarding the framework for elections to major Libyan stakeholders, adding that the document it had communicated was a product of discussions with all major Libyan stakeholders, who highlighted those areas of concern on the electoral framework.
“We expect that those issues are seriously considered before the electoral framework is finalized in an inclusive manner.” UNSMIL remarked, warning against all actions that can undermine the people’s continuous demands for national elections and finally bring legitimacy to Libyan institutions in a peaceful and democratic manner.
