Statement Regarding Supreme Council of State Presidential Election
Mohamed Takala, a member of the Supreme Council of State, has reaffirmed his position regarding the ongoing presidential election, stating that it will be repeated on August 20th.
In a statement today, Takala defended the integrity of the vote, claiming it was conducted correctly and without any grounds for invalidation. He further elaborated that this decision was supported by a respected group of legal experts.
Takala acknowledged the possibility of a third round of voting, but explained that they opted for a concession and postponement to maintain the dignity of the council and prevent potential disruption by a certain political party. He alleged that this party aimed to undermine the council’s authority and sow division.
He further criticized Khaled Al-Mishri, his opponent, for disregarding the judiciary’s recommendation, citing this as evidence of his extremist ideology and unwavering determination to hold the position.
Takala emphasized the importance of holding a rerun to resolve the controversy, preserve the unity of the council, and uphold its democratic principles. He referenced a similar incident during the General National Congress where a re-vote was conducted to ensure the integrity of the process.
The session was abruptly adjourned after controversy erupted over the ballot paper, which appeared to favor Takala but was stamped with an unknown symbol on the back. This discrepancy sparked debate among members, with some counting it in Takala’s favor while others deemed it invalid. This resulted in Al-Mishri securing the presidency with one additional vote.
The presidency of the Supreme Council of State requested the termination of the live broadcast of the session before a final outcome was announced.
This election is the ninth since the establishment of the State Council in 2015, following the signing of the “Skhirat Agreement.”