UNSMIL meets political parties who ‘‘unanimously’’ call for timely and constitutionally-based 24 December elections

By Sami Zaptia.

London, 21 May 2021:

UNSMIL reported yesterday that Assistant Secretary-General and UNSMIL Coordinator Raisedon Zenenga held virtual consultations yesterday with a diverse group of representatives of more than 15 political parties from various backgrounds and affiliations.

This came as part of his ongoing engagement with Libyan stakeholders from all sectors of society.

UNSMIL reported that participants ‘‘unanimously’’ stressed the need to break the endless cycle of transitions and for all relevant authorities and institutions in Libya to prioritize the holding of elections on 24 December 2021 as scheduled.

They called on the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) and the House of Representatives and the High State Council to fulfil their responsibilities to clarify the constitutional basis for elections before 1 July.

They outlined steps needed to create a conducive environment for elections, including providing the necessary space for political parties and movements, ensuring freedom and security for political activities for citizens across all regions, enabling meaningful participation and representation of women and youth, and putting in place a binding charter that will guarantee acceptance of election results by all.

They also identified as priorities the reunification of the country and its institutions, progress on national reconciliation and fighting corruption, and the immediate departure of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya.

ASG Zenenga welcomed this first of many opportunities to hear the views and recommendations of political parties and movements on Libya’s national priorities and commended the common ground and spirit of dialogue demonstrated by the participants.

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