UNSMIL called HoR to adopt the necessary adjustments to hold free and fair elections

Libyan Cloud News Agency

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said on Saturday that it is closely following ongoing efforts to finalize the legal framework for Libya’s national elections under consideration by the House of Representatives (HoR).

UNSMIL called in a statement for the adoption of the necessary adjustments, including those put forward by the High National Commission for Elections (HNEC), to enable the holding of free, fair, inclusive, and credible parliamentary and presidential elections simultaneously on 24 December, in line with the Libyan political roadmap and Security Council resolutions 2570 (2021) and 2571 (2021), and the conclusions of the Second Berlin Conference for Libya.

UNSMIL emphasized that only an inclusive legal framework will pave the way for a credible and inclusive electoral process.

“Respecting the principle of simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections on 24 December 2021 is needed to preserve the integrity of the electoral process, enhance its credibility, and the right and aspirations of the Libyan people to democratically elect their representatives and leaders as well as the acceptance of the results of the elections.” Read the statement.

The UN mission also urged Libyan institutions to ensure the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and youth in the elections and to put in place all the necessary arrangements to protect voters and women candidates.

It called upon the Libyan parties to explore ways to increase mutual trust and build consensus for the upcoming elections.

UNSMIL commended efforts by HNEC to advance technical preparations for the elections and urges it to accelerate these efforts once a legal framework that addresses the concerns related to the roadmap and relevant Security Council resolutions is finalized.