UN Envoy Hanna Tetteh Briefs Security Council on Libya's Political Roadmap and Elections

Municipal Elections and Challenges

• 🗳️ 26 Libyan municipalities successfully held elections on August 16th, despite significant challenges, with a commendable 71% voter turnout.
• ⚠️ However, the suspension of elections in 16 municipalities in eastern and southern Libya by the House of Representatives-appointed government highlights a lack of commitment to democratic development.
• 🔥 Acts of arson and armed attacks on electoral offices, such as in Zawya and Zlitan, also disrupted the process, though dedicated staff persevered.

Proposed Roadmap for National Elections

• 🗺️ UNSMIL proposes a three-pillar roadmap to achieve national elections and unify institutions.
• 🎯 Pillar one focuses on implementing a technically sound and politically viable electoral framework for presidential and legislative elections.
• 🤝 Pillar two aims to unify institutions through a new, unified government.
• 💬 Pillar three involves a structured dialogue for broad Libyan participation to address critical issues, shape a shared vision, and tackle conflict drivers.

Key Steps and Timeline

• ⏳ The roadmap is envisioned for implementation over 12 to 18 months, with sequential steps to ensure success.
• 🏛️ Initial steps include enhancing the capacity of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) and amending legal/constitutional frameworks for elections.
• ⚖️ Following these, an agreement on a new unified government is crucial for creating a conducive environment for credible elections.
• 🌐 A structured dialogue will engage civil society, academia, and various Libyan groups to address governance challenges and foster a national vision.

Economic and Security Concerns

• 💰 UNSMIL calls for a unified, realistic, and balanced budget to promote financial sustainability and monetary stability, urging adherence to automated public salary payment systems.
• 🚨 The security situation remains volatile, with a fragile truce in Tripoli and ongoing tensions between different security apparatuses.
• 💔 The forced return of migrants to conflict zones, particularly Sudanese refugees in Kufra, is alarming, with dire conditions requiring increased donor support.

Call for International Support

• 🌍 The Libyan people desire an end to transitional periods and demand accountable governance through elections and a permanent constitution.
• 🚫 UNSMIL urges the Security Council to support the roadmap, contain spoilers, and hold accountable those who obstruct the process.
• ✨ The international community's role is critical in helping parties compromise for the benefit of the Libyan people and their aspirations for a stable and prosperous country.