The President of the Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Menfi, welcomed the UN Security Council’s resolution, describing it as “an important roadmap for a watershed in the history of Libya,” stressing the Council’s commitment to implementing the resolution.
Al-Manfi stressed that the real way to achieve the elections is by linking the electoral laws to the 6+6 committee as a basis, through a popular referendum to end the political stalemate.
The President of the Presidential Council also stressed the importance of the independence, transparency and exclusivity of the National Oil Corporation in managing the only economic resource for the Libyan people, under the supervision of the Joint Supreme Financial Committee, considering this an important step to address the inflation of public spending and support the economy and development.
The UN Security Council approved a draft resolution submitted by the United Kingdom, Britain and Northern Ireland, extending the mandate of the UN mission in Libya until January 31, 2025.
The resolution stressed the Security Council’s full support for the UN mission in promoting a comprehensive political process that leads to holding elections based on the Libyan Political Agreement and the roadmap emanating from the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, and the updated electoral laws approved by the 6+6 Committee.
The resolution urged Libyan political institutions and Libyan stakeholders to resolve controversial issues related to the elections, and to participate in a transparent manner, in good faith, and without preconditions, to hold the elections in accordance with applicable electoral laws as soon as possible.
Source: Muhammad Al-Manfi.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Libyan Politics
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re delving into a pivotal moment in Libyan history following the recent UN Security Council resolution. Joining me is Dr. Aisha Farouk, an expert in North African politics and a professor at the University of Tripoli. Aisha, thank you for being here.
Dr. Farouk (D): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss these critical developments in Libya.
E: Let’s start with the basics. The President of the Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Menfi, has described the recent UN Security Council resolution as a significant “roadmap” for Libya. What do you think makes this resolution a watershed moment?
D: Well, this resolution is crucial as it emphasizes international support for establishing a stable political environment in Libya. After years of conflict and division, any clear direction that encourages dialogue and democratic processes is a step forward. Al-Menfi’s wording suggests optimism, which is vital for unifying various factions in the country.
E: Al-Menfi also mentioned that linking electoral laws to the road to elections is key. Can you elaborate on why these links are so essential for the electoral process?
D: Absolutely. The electoral law is the backbone of any democratic election. If the laws governing the elections are unclear or contested, it fosters mistrust among the electorate and political entities. Al-Menfi’s emphasis on linking meaningful electoral laws to the upcoming elections signals a commitment to ensure that they are fair, transparent, and acceptable to all parties involved.
E: There has been skepticism from various factions within Libya regarding elections and governance. How do you think the Security Council’s involvement can alleviate these concerns?
D: The involvement of the UN Security Council brings a layer of legitimacy and international oversight that local actors may not achieve independently. It can also signal to skeptical Libyans that external parties are invested in their democratic process. This could mitigate fears of biased governance by promoting a more inclusive political environment, encouraging broader participation across different societal sectors.
E: Speaking of participation, what role do you think civil society and grassroots movements will play in this transitional phase?
D: Civil society has a critical role to play. They can act as mediators, communicators, and watchdogs during the electoral process. Their involvement ensures that the needs and voices of everyday Libyans are taken into account. Historically, grassroots movements have sparked significant political change, and that can be incredibly important now as Libyans seek to regain trust in their political institutions.
E: Al-Menfi’s optimism is compelling. However, what challenges do you foresee in implementing this “roadmap” for elections?
D: There are several obstacles ahead. First, achieving a consensus among the diverse factions is complex, particularly when historical grievances and power struggles come into play. Additionally, logistical issues like security, the integrity of electoral mechanisms, and the necessity of the international community’s continued support cannot be overlooked. If these challenges aren’t addressed adequately, the roadmap could become just words on paper.
E: As we look forward, what should be the priorities for both the Libyan leadership and the international community in this transitional phase?
D: The immediate priority should be establishing a solid framework for the electoral process, including setting a clear timeline and regulatory guidelines. For the international community, maintaining a supportive yet neutral stance is crucial—providing assistance and oversight without overshadowing Libya’s sovereignty. Ultimately, both sides need to prioritize dialogue and find common ground to foster true reconciliation and stability.
E: Thank you, Dr. Farouk, for your insights on this defining moment for Libya. It’s clear that while the road ahead may be complex, there’s potential for meaningful progress if the political will and international support align correctly.
D: Thank you! I hope for a hopeful and peaceful future for Libya as they navigate these challenges.
E: And thank you to our viewers for joining us at Time.news! We’ll continue to follow the developments in Libya closely.