UNSMIL launches LPDF Legal Committee to help with constitutional arrangements for 24 December 2021 elections

By Sami Zaptia.

London, 22 December 2020:

UNSMIL Acting head, Stephanie Williams yesterday launched the Legal Committee of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF).

In her opening remarks at the virtual launch meeting, Williams said, “Allow me first to congratulate you on the formation of this Committee, the Legal Committee, at its first session today, which marks the start date of the “Preparatory phase’’ for a comprehensive path to national elections, and as we are also a few days away from celebrating the Libyan National Day on the 24^th of this month. We hope that a spirit of national unity prevails in this meeting.”

UNSMIL explained that the Legal Committee, comprising of 18 LPDF members, is mandated to follow-up on the discussions of the constitutional committee established by the House of Representatives (HoR) and the High Council of State (HCS), and make recommendations for assistance, including a proposal (s) on the appropriate constitutional basis/ arrangements leading to the national elections. The Committee shall inform the LPDF of the progress of discussions every two weeks. It shall also advise the LPDF on legal issues related to the legal framework necessary to carry out the elections on 24 December 2021.

ASRSG Williams commended the progress made and continuing positive indicators in the three intra-Libyan tracks and reaffirmed the need to move forward with the political process and holding the national elections on time.

ASRSG Williams urged the members of the Legal Committee and the various parties in Libya in general to “make all efforts to move forward swiftly and avoid dwelling on futile secondary issues that are to deliberate obstruction and delay the realization of the aspirations of the Libyan people.”

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