Tripoli — Libyan officials said representatives from the country’s rival eastern and western administrations signed an agreement to hold national elections, a step toward reunifying the country after more than a decade of division. The signing took place after months of UN-sponsored talks, with the participants known as the 4+4 Committee, according to state and international reports. The account indicates that the agreement includes restructuring the electoral commission and addressing disputes over electoral law.
Elections will be run by a unified authority and ‘unique national sovereign institutions.’
Background to the Agreement
Libya plunged into chaos after the ouster of longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. Since then, the country has been run by two governments: Abdulhamid Dbeibah’s internationally recognized Government of National Unity in the west, and Khalifa Haftar’s rival Government of National Stability in the east. Talks to reunify the country reportedly began late last year, when both Libyan sides asked Pakistan to mediate.
The agreement marks a significant step in the UN-facilitated process, though challenges remain in implementing the electoral framework and ensuring security across the divided nation.
Reaction to the Agreement
Moussa Al-Koni, Vice-President of the Libyan Presidential Council, said at the signing: ‘Our participation today is in support of a political opportunity that must be safeguarded and built upon…
An opportunity that will move Libya from managing division to bringing it to an end, and from merely waiting for elections to making tangible progress towards them.’ Abdul Rahman Al-Abbar, a member of the 4+4 Committee representing the eastern administration, echoed these sentiments: ‘Today, in this important forum, with the signing of the results of the work of the 4+4 Committee, this is the culmination of work carried out by this small group of men, who have acted with genuine national will and sound intentions.
They have made major mutual compromises, thanks to which we have overcome all obstacles and all difficulties.’
Looking Ahead
The agreement is a significant step, but challenges remain in implementing the electoral framework and ensuring security across the divided nation. The international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops.
