Libya reaches agreement to unify institutions and prepare for elections

Libya’s “4+4” joint committee has signed a new agreement aimed at unifying state institutions and establishing a roadmap for national elections. The deal addresses critical disputes regarding the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), specifically resolving disagreements over the leadership positions of the commission’s board through consensus.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement, describing it as a significant step toward ending Libya’s prolonged transitional period. The agreement covers the first two stages of a political roadmap facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Key provisions include restructuring the HNEC board, resolving legal framework disputes for presidential and parliamentary elections, and setting changes to presidential candidacy requirements.

Under the terms of the agreement, national elections are expected to occur within a maximum of 24 months under a unified executive authority. Libyan Member of Parliament Muneim Al-Arfi noted that while the agreement is a positive step toward ending the institutional split that has impacted citizens' daily lives, the success of the initiative depends on whether all parties remain committed to its implementation.