Libya's High Council of State elects Mohamed Takala, pledges elections

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomed the election of a new presidency for Libya's High Council of State on 29 July. Mohamed Takala was re‑elected as head with 80 votes, defeating rival Belgasem Gazit, who received 56 votes. UNSMIL said it would cooperate with the council to implement the political roadmap aimed at unifying state institutions and holding national elections.

The council held its first official meeting in Tripoli on 30 July, chaired by Takala and attended by first vice‑president Naji Mukhtar, second vice‑president Omar Boushah and rapporteur Belkacem Dabrez. Delegates discussed the organization of the council’s cabinet, set political and administrative priorities, and emphasized the need for better coordination, dialogue with all Libyan actors and consensus to create conditions for elections and stability. The meeting took place against a backdrop of a severe energy crisis, with many neighborhoods experiencing prolonged electricity cuts.