Is Libya's National Elections Commission Prepared for Presidential Elections?
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Synopsis
The High National Elections Commission of Libya is poised to conduct presidential elections, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape. With plans set for early 2026, the commission emphasizes the need for Libyan-led solutions to ensure stability and legitimacy. Will this be the turning point for Libya's governance?
Key Takeaways
- The HNEC has declared full readiness for presidential elections.
- Elections are tentatively scheduled for early March 2026.
- Challenges include securing funding and addressing political disputes.
- Local protests indicate a strong desire for elections among citizens.
- Libya's path forward must be determined by its own people.
Tripoli, Nov 30 (NationPress) - The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) of Libya declared on Sunday that it has achieved complete operational readiness for the upcoming presidential elections, as stated in an official announcement on its Facebook page.
The commission indicated that the successful conclusion of the recent municipal council elections has bolstered the technical capabilities necessary to tackle challenges related to the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Preliminary assessments suggest that elections may commence in early March 2026, with the potential for the start date to shift to mid-April 2026, contingent on securing adequate funding, establishing security protocols, and creating an agreed-upon framework to facilitate the electoral process amidst the existence of two governing bodies in the country.
The commission urged the UN Support Mission in Libya to concentrate on addressing fundamental disputes regarding amendments to electoral laws, calling for a prompt resolution to enable the commission to begin issuing necessary regulations and operational guidelines.
The statement emphasized that any resolution should originate from the Libyan people themselves, underscoring that Libya's future cannot be shaped by foreign interventions or initiatives driven by external or regional interests.
The commission reiterated that returning to the ballot box is the sole path to overcoming divisions and restoring legitimacy, affirming its commitment to operate with professionalism, neutrality, and integrity to foster a national trajectory toward change.
This announcement follows a formal request from Aguila Saleh, the speaker of Libya's eastern-based House of Representatives, on Friday, urging HNEC to initiate preparations for presidential elections. Recently, protests erupted across several cities in eastern and southern Libya, calling for nationwide presidential elections to resolve political fragmentation.
Since the ousting of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been divided between two competing governments - the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and the eastern-based administration appointed by the House of Representatives and led by Osama Hammad.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of this announcement. The readiness of the High National Elections Commission to move forward with elections reflects a necessary step towards restoring legitimacy in Libyan governance. However, it is crucial for the resolution to be rooted in Libyan consensus, devoid of foreign influences. The path to unity lies in the hands of the Libyan people.
NationPress
30/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the presidential elections scheduled in Libya?
Preliminary plans indicate that elections could begin in early March 2026, with the possibility of extending to mid-April 2026, pending necessary arrangements.
What challenges does the HNEC face in conducting elections?
The HNEC must navigate funding, security arrangements, and the political complexities arising from the presence of two rival governments.
How has the community responded to the call for elections?
There have been demonstrations in various cities across eastern and southern Libya, advocating for immediate presidential elections to resolve political divisions.
What role does the UN have in Libya's electoral process?
The HNEC has urged the UN Support Mission in Libya to focus on resolving disputes over electoral law amendments to facilitate the electoral process.
Why is it important for Libyans to lead the resolution of their political issues?
The commission asserts that Libya's future must be determined by its citizens, free from external influences, to ensure genuine representation and stability.
