“UN aims to resolve Libya vote issues”

The United Nations has announced its plans to assist Libya’s opposing factions in reaching an agreement on key issues that have been preventing presidential and legislative elections from taking place. After more than two weeks of talks in Morocco, the envoys of Libya’s factions have agreed on the legal steps required for new elections. However, they have not yet signed an agreement, indicating that there are still differences that need to be resolved. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has taken note of the outcome of the Morocco talks and will work to facilitate a process among all actors to address the contested elements of the electoral framework. The aim is to secure the necessary political agreement on the path to elections. The UN mission has urged all involved parties to address all outstanding issues and create a safer and more conducive environment for the holding of elections in 2023. Among the contested points are the candidacy of dual nationals and soldiers, including military strongman Khalifa Haftar who holds US citizenship. The UN appeal was supported by representatives in Tripoli of both the United States and the European Union.