By Sami Zaptia.
London, 27 May 2021:
The U.S. urged yesterday the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) to agree on a constitutional basis for the holding of Libya’s 24 December elections.
The statement made through the U.S. Embassy Tripoli came as the LPDF started its two-day virtual session yesterday seeking to agree a constitutional basis for the planned elections.
Some members of the LPDF are opposed to holding elections without a referendum on the draft constitution – as prescribed by existing law. However, the constitution and the process of its drafting is still very divisive and contested and there is a danger that the Libyan public could reject the draft constitution in the referendum.
This would postpone the December elections to an unknown date and further extend Libya’s period of political transition and limbo.
In its statement yesterday, the U.S. embassy said ‘‘The U.S. recognizes the historic role the LPDF has played in Libya’s sovereign push for December elections.
It has an opportunity today and tomorrow to again make history by submitting a constitutional basis to the House of Representatives that will make those elections possible without delay.
Along with countless Libyans who hope for free and fair elections, the United States will be watching with great interest.’’
Norland meets HNEC head
Today, the U.S. Embassy announced that Ambassador Richard Norland had a ‘‘Good discussion yesterday with Dr. Emad al-Sayeh, HNEC chairman about how the international community can best support national elections on December 24.’’
