Libyan PM-designate asserts presidential, parliamentary elections to be held as scheduled

CAIRO - 14 June 2022: Libyan Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha asserted that the presidential and parliamentary elections will be held as scheduled, noting that the government is working hard to maintain the unity and stability of the country.

The premier's remarks were made during his meeting with Italian Special Envoy to Libya Nicola Orlando and Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi as they discussed the latest developments on the Libyan arena.

The Libyan envoy, for his part, praised the Libyan government for rejecting the use of force and opting for legal methods to carry out its tasks in all the Libyan cities.

Despite UN efforts, political, economic and security deadlock continues in Libya, the UN political affairs chief told the Security Council, adding that human rights there have also deteriorated, UN News reported.

“We are concerned that the protracted political impasse is having an increasingly negative impact on security,” said Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo.

“A coordinated and constructive effort is required to prevent further polarization and end the political stalemate.”

While the 2020 ceasefire continues to hold, DiCarlo stated that the security situation “remains fragile”.

She drew attention to clashes in the capital on May 17, following the recent political crisis which began in March, which saw the eastern parliament select a new government.

Last week, UN Special Advisor Stephanie Williams convened a second round of consultations of the Joint Committee of the House of Representatives and High State Council, in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, reviewing a reformed constitution for a democratic way forward for the country, the 2017 Constitutional Draft.

The delegations reached agreement in several areas, including basic rights and freedoms; the structure and powers of a two-tier new parliament; and the prerogatives of the president and prime minister.

Under UN auspices, members will reconvene on June 11 for a final round to reach consensus on finalizing constitutional arrangements to hold key national elections – delayed from last December - as soon as possible.