The UN Envoy for Support in Libya – Acting – Stephanie Williams said that the participants in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum held in Tunis have agreed that the date for the Libyan national elections will be on December 24, 2021.
She added that this day has been chosen for its symbolism, as it is Libya’s Independence Day and will be decisive for Libyans to democratically elect their leaders and renew the legitimacy of their institutions.
Williams added during a virtual press conference that a new presidential council and a unified government of national unity would be formed – stressing that the mission and its international partners would not propose or impose specific names, while members of the prospective executive authority would be required to adhere to a deadline for them to step down from their positions to ensure that the desired goals of the formation were reached.
Williams praised the commitment of the participants in the Libyan political dialogue in Tunisia and said: “Their serious work encouraged us to extend the period of talks for a few days,” warning at the same time against obstructing the dialogue.
“We will not tolerate those who try to obstruct the progress made in the Libyan negotiations in the east and in the west to maintain their current privileges, as there is great pressure to prevent this from happening.
The international community has tools capable of deterring those obstructing the Libyan negotiations, including the sanctions of the Security Council.
Stephanie Williams also expressed her optimism about the National Roadmap and said that it provides a clear path out of the current crisis and the conduct of honest, inclusive and democratic elections, but access to them requires a new executive authority to unify the country.
The Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations affirmed support for elections by working with Libyans to obtain full control, including empowering those who were displaced from their homes, so that they can vote and also contribute to ensuring the necessary security conditions as well as fully empowering the High National Elections Commission.
