In a video statement published late last night / early this morning from its Benghazi headquarters, around 50 Members of Libya’s Parliament (House of Representatives – HoR) called for the amendment of the HoR’s internal regulations, in a partially veiled effort to control the unilateral decision-making powers of HoR Speaker Ageela Saleh.
Specifically, the members stated:
– Amending the internal regulations of the HoR is no longer a postponed option, but an urgent necessity dictated by the current political situation.
– Past experiences have revealed organizational and procedural gaps that have affected parliamentary work and weakened the effectiveness of decision-making.
– The HoR must begin reviewing and updating its internal regulations to ensure clarity of powers, regulate the mechanisms for holding sessions, and enhance transparency and discipline.
While the main aim of the meeting was the rejection by the gathered members of the newly introduced and controversial import taxes, declaring them null and void, the two issues are linked.
It will be recalled that Ageela Saleh had, not for the first time, unilaterally agreed the new import taxes with Central Bank of Libya Governor, Naji Issa, without allowing an HoR session the opportunity to debate or vote on them.
Hence, the gathered HoR members seek to put an end to Saleh’s abuse of his powers as HoR Speaker, by on several occasions completely bypassing HoR members and acting as a de facto dictator.
It will also be recalled that the 50-odd HoR members were forced to hold an unofficial meeting as Saleh and his two deputies had refused their demand to hold an official HoR session.
