21 December 2020 – The Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General (ASRSG) of the United Nations in Libya, Stephanie Williams launched today, in a virtual meeting, the Legal Committee of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF).

In her opening remarks, ASRSG Williams addressed the participants, “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.”

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 welcomed the fulfillment by the Government of National Accord (GNA) of its commitments towards the High National Election Commission (HNEC), which confirmed today that it has received LYD 50 million to prepare for the national elections agreed to take place on 24 December next year. “This is excellent and encouraging news in support of the national elections that receives great attention from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the international community,” said Williams.

At the local level, ASRSG Williams said, “There is also another excellent sign. Today, municipal elections are taking place in Al-Zawiya Al-Gharbia and Ar-Rajban with a turnaround that seems very encouraging, which we consider confirmation of the strong desire of the Libyans to democratically elect their representatives at the local or national level alike.”

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.”