Speaker of the House Accuses High Council Head of Blocking Libya’s Electoral Process

Tripoli: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, accused the head of the High Council of State, Mohamed Takala, of obstructing the electoral process.

According to Libyan News Agency, this accusation was made in response to criticisms leveled by Takala against the House of Representatives' decision to complete the board of directors of the High National Elections Commission. In statements to Al-Masar TV, Saleh expressed that Takala "does not want Libya to emerge from its current situation," and accused him of seeking to obstruct the electoral process. Saleh emphasized that the High National Elections Commission has demonstrated its capability by successfully conducting previous municipal elections, and he sees no reason to change the head of the commission unless practical experience necessitates it.

Saleh further stated that completing the commission's work in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is crucial to ensure the smooth operation of the electoral process. He warned against potential conflicts in the eastern, western, and southern regions that could impede the political process.

He expressed a preference for holding general elections before dealing with the issue of filling sovereign positions, citing ongoing disputes over these posts as a significant barrier to achieving the electoral goals that Libyans have been anticipating.

Saleh noted that the Bouznika agreement has stalled despite "significant concessions" made by the House of Representatives. He stressed the importance of national consensus and a swift democratic process. Saleh reiterated the House's commitment to maintaining the stability and independence of the High National Elections Commission and called on all parties to cooperate to overcome political differences. This cooperation, he stated, is essential to ensure that elections are held as scheduled, thus fulfilling the aspirations of the Libyan people and bolstering confidence in state institutions.