Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, appreciated the turnout of Libyans to participate in the municipal elections, which he considered a sign of their desire for stability, security, and participation in decision-making.
Aqeela added that the ground is fertile for holding presidential and parliamentary elections, which there is no justification for delaying, according to what was published by the media office of the Presidency of the Council.
Aguila stressed the importance of holding free and fair simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, considering that they will represent the desire of nearly 3 million voters to determine their fate and choose their representatives of their own free will, without any restrictions, he said.
For his part, the head of the National Unity Government, Abdul Hamid Al-Dabaiba, considered that the success of the municipal elections and their conduct in a smooth and safe manner is further evidence against those who are trying to invent new transitional stages as a condition for holding the elections.
Al-Dabaiba pointed out during his Facebook post that the ballot boxes through which Libyans today expressed their will and decision to choose who will run the affairs of their municipalities, are the same boxes through which they can choose their country’s new executive and legislative authorities.
Khaled Al-Mishri and Mohamed Takala – who are competing for the presidency of the State Council – also blessed the holding of municipal elections, saying that it confirms the possibility of holding presidential and parliamentary elections in the country.
Al-Mishri expressed his regret at the weak participation compared to previous elections, calling on citizens to register and actively participate in the upcoming elections, as they are the key to change and building the future that the Libyan people aspire to.
Al-Mishri also appreciated the role of the Election Commission in achieving the electoral entitlement, hoping that it would be a good gesture that would pave the way for holding comprehensive legislative and presidential elections throughout the Libyan territory.
Source: data
What are the key challenges Libya faces in organizing free and fair elections?
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the most pressing issues shaping our world today. I’m excited to have with us Dr. Fatima El-Masri, a political analyst specializing in North African affairs. Dr. El-Masri, welcome!
Dr. El-Masri: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. Recently, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, expressed his appreciation for the Libyan people’s turnout in the municipal elections. What does this indicate about the current political climate in Libya?
Dr. El-Masri: Aguila Saleh’s comments are quite significant. The high voter turnout is a clear indicator that Libyans are eager to engage in the political process. It reflects a collective desire for stability, security, and a say in their governance, which has been sorely lacking in recent years.
Interviewer: He mentioned that the ground is fertile for both presidential and parliamentary elections. What factors contribute to this sentiment?
Dr. El-Masri: Several factors play into this optimistic outlook. Firstly, there is a growing frustration among the populace with the current state of governance, marked by ongoing divisions and instability. People want to move beyond the chaos of recent conflicts and are hopeful that proper elections can pave the way for legitimate representation and stability. Secondly, there are advancements in political dialogue and a more unified call for elections, which further fuels this sentiment.
Interviewer: That’s interesting. Aguila Saleh stressed the importance of holding “free and fair simultaneous elections.” Why is this particular aspect critical for Libya?
Dr. El-Masri: Free and fair elections are essential for restoring the legitimacy of the political system in Libya. If elections are conducted transparently and inclusively, they will reflect the true will of the people—nearly 3 million voters are looking to express their preferences without outside influence or restrictions. This could be a crucial step in rebuilding trust among the various factions within Libya and ensuring that the next government is accountable to its constituents.
Interviewer: What challenges do you foresee in making these elections a reality, given Libya’s complex political landscape?
Dr. El-Masri: There are significant challenges ahead. The foremost issue is the prevailing security situation and the presence of various armed groups that could threaten the electoral process. In addition, political factions may resist the idea of elections if they feel it jeopardizes their interests. There’s also the logistical challenge of organizing elections effectively across a country that is still recovering from years of conflict. Coordination between different political entities will be crucial to overcome these hurdles.
Interviewer: And what role do leadership figures like the head of the National Unity Government, Abdul Hamid Al-Dabaiba, play in this scenario?
Dr. El-Masri: Leadership is pivotal. Al-Dabaiba has a responsibility to promote a cohesive approach towards the elections. His support for the process can lend legitimacy and encourage participation among the people. If he can foster dialogue among conflicting parties and create an environment conducive to fair elections, it could help mitigate some of the aforementioned challenges.
Interviewer: Lastly, if these elections succeed, what could be the potential implications for Libya’s future?
Dr. El-Masri: Successful elections could represent a significant turning point for Libya. It can lead to a more unified government, increased international support, and a path toward rebuilding infrastructure and services that have been neglected. More importantly, it can reignite hope among Libyans for a better future, providing them with the agency to shape their own destinies, which has been absent for far too long.
Interviewer: Dr. El-Masri, thank you for your insights. The situation in Libya is indeed complex but also filled with potential. We appreciate you sharing your expertise on this vital issue.
Dr. El-Masri: Thank you for having me. I hope for a positive outcome for the Libyan people in the near future.