U.S. Envoy Presses Libya's Ageela Saleh for December Election Framework

U.S. Special Envoy Norland counting on Saleh’s leadership to provide constitutional basis for 24 December elections

By Sami Zaptia.

London, 22 May 2021:

House of Representatives head Ageela Saleh met U.S. Ambassador and Special Envoy to Libya Richard Norland in Cairo on Thursday.

The HoR reported that developments of the situation in Libya and domestic and international efforts to implement the (LPDF) Road Map, especially the important role of the House of Representatives, were discussed.

It reported that both sides affirmed that the elections will be held on time on 24 December, and for his part, Norland stressed during the meeting that the adoption of the constitutional basis for the elections and the approval of the state's general budget is an inherent competence of the House of Representatives.

Reporting on the meeting through the U.S. Embassy social media platforms, Norland said: “Encouraged by Speaker Saleh’s commitment to December elections during our first meeting since I became Special Envoy. His leadership will be essential to provide the constitutional and legal basis for elections on December 24.”

Continued international pressure

The meeting and the official statements released on it is part of continued international efforts to pressure the reluctant status quo Libyan political forces to complete the needed legal and constitutional procedures for the 24 December elections to be held on both a legal/constitutional basis and on time.

Libya is 70 percent ready to hold 24 December elections, with the 30 percent legal measures still outstanding: Election Commission | (libyaherald.com)

UNSMIL meets political parties who ‘‘unanimously’’ call for timely and constitutionally-based 24 December elections | (libyaherald.com)

Co-Chairs of Berlin Process Political Working Group on Libya: holding of national elections on 24 December 2021 remains the overarching priority | (libyaherald.com)

LPDF to convene virtually 26-27 May to finalize constitutional basis for 24 December elections | (libyaherald.com)

UN Security Council passes two Libya resolutions: reiterates need for constitutionally based 24 December elections, 23 October ceasefire and withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries | (libyaherald.com)

Libyans want scheduled 24 December constitutional elections, withdrawal of all foreign forces, improved living conditions and reconciliation: UNSMIL | (libyaherald.com)

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Joey Hood underscores support for December elections and withdrawal of all foreign forces | (libyaherald.com)

US supports Libya military unification, national reconciliation, Mangoush’s withdrawal of foreign forces call and 24 December elections | (libyaherald.com)

Joint statement by Embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the US in Libya supporting Libyan institutions to prepare for elections as scheduled | (libyaherald.com)

Military institution must be reunified before elections: Libyan government | (libyaherald.com)

U.S. continues pressure for 24 December elections and departure of all foreign forces from Libya | (libyaherald.com)

Co-Chairs of the International Follow-up Committee on Libya reiterate priority of constitutionally based 24 December elections | (libyaherald.com)