Statement by Ihya Libya regarding progress by the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), and the resignation of the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations (SRSG)

Further to our previous statements regarding the consensus and outcomes of the 6+6 Committee, the Ihya Libya Movement welcomes the statement of HNEC regarding its readiness to hold municipal elections, and its adoption of voter registration regulations for parliamentary and presidential elections.

We also appreciate the efforts of HNEC and renew our support for all positive steps taken towards the electoral imperative, as elections are the only way to empower the Libyan people, who are the sole source of sovereignty and legitimacy, to choose their own national leaders, through free and fair elections.

We also renew our calls to members of the House of Representatives and to members of the High Council of State, to continue the efforts that crystallized in the recent Tunis meetings, and in the League of Arab States meetings. We call upon them to reach urgent and fair mechanisms to form a new single Libyan government that can steer Libya towards elections. They must respect the will of our people, which was clearly demonstrated through the registration of 2.8 million male and female voters. Those voters still look forward, with hope and determination, to establish a Libyan state that is sovereign, governed by the rule of law, and that prioritizes development, national reconciliation, and justice.

Perhaps the recent news of the resignation of SRSG, His Excellency Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily, can be an opportunity for the League of Arab States and the African Union to regain the initiative in bringing together the Libyan parties, to accelerate the formation of a new Elections Government. Such a government can be given the confidence of the House of Representatives, after consultation with the High Council State. The House of Representatives can then directly submit a request for international recognition to the Security Council, without the mediation of the UNSMIL.

We wish SRSG Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily a better future. We hope for Libya to emerge from the strange current state of stagnation, which has made our beloved country vulnerable to further splitting, polarizing, systematic plundering, and the deliberate impoverishing of our people. May God Protect Libya.

Ihya Libya Movement

Tuesday: April 16, 2024