Libyan Factions Sign Deal to Hold Elections Within 24 Months

Representatives from Libya's four primary political and military institutions signed a UN-backed agreement on Sunday in Tripoli to hold national legislative and presidential elections within 24 months. The deal, reached by the 4+4 Committee following talks in Rome and Tunisia, aims to resolve a political stalemate that has persisted since the collapse of scheduled elections in December 2021.

The agreement mandates the restructuring of the High National Elections Commission, recommending Dhou Al-Hamali (also cited as Dhaou Ibrahim Attia) as chairman and Sana Al-Lishani as deputy chairperson. To encourage broad participation, the framework amends electoral laws to allow military personnel and dual nationals to run for office. It also removes the requirement for a second presidential round if a candidate secures more than 50 percent plus one of the votes.

To promote national unity, the deal proposes rotating sessions of the executive authority and House of Representatives between Tripoli, Benghazi, and Sabha. The agreement requires approval from the House of Representatives and the High Council of State within one month; otherwise, the parties intend to seek national adoption as a constitutional document through the UN Security Council.

While the European Union and the United Nations welcomed the milestone, officials noted that success depends on cooperation between the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity and the eastern-based administration. Moussa Al-Koni stated that participation in the deal was in support of a political opportunity that must be safeguarded.