Libya's rival institutions back election plan after years of deadlock

Libya's principal governing institutions have reached an agreement on a roadmap designed to pave the way for long-delayed presidential and parliamentary elections within the next eight months. This development offers a glimmer of hope for resolving the country's protracted political deadlock.

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The roadmap sought to end Libya's long-running transitional period and 'unify the country's institutions.'

The joint statement, issued by the leaders of the parliament, the Presidential Council, and the High Council of State, declared that the roadmap aims to conclude Libya's extended transitional period and achieve the unification of the nation's institutions. Libya, rich in oil, has been grappling with instability and division since the 2011 uprising that ousted Moammar Gadhafi. The country remains split between a UN-recognized government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east.

While the roadmap sets a target date of February 17, 2027, for simultaneous elections, the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by military commander Khalifa Haftar, has expressed support for a separate U.S.-backed initiative. The LNA stated its preference for a U.S. plan focused on unifying the country's executive powers, suggesting a potential divergence in approaches to achieving stability.

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The Libyan National Army (LNA) ... backed a U.S. plan also aiming to unify the country's executive powers.

Reports indicate that the United States, through Massad Boulos, a senior advisor on Arab and African affairs, has been actively promoting reconciliation between Libya's eastern and western factions. The LNA described this U.S. plan as a "unique and distinctive initiative" and a "peaceful resolution to the political crisis" that could expedite elections. Presidential elections initially scheduled for late 2021 were postponed indefinitely, underscoring the challenges in unifying the fractured nation.

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Boulos's plan was 'a unique and distinctive initiative' and 'a peaceful resolution to the political crisis' that would pave the way for 'holding elections as soon as possible' in Libya.