Delegations from rival Libyan institutions have resumed discussions in Morocco in an attempt to resolve a political impasse and prevent further instability. The meetings involve the High Council of State and the House of Representatives, aiming to pave the way for credible elections. The political process has been stalled since the failure of elections scheduled for December 2021, amidst disputes over candidate eligibility.
RABAT: Delegations from rival Libyan institutions have recommenced negotiations in Morocco on Wednesday, aiming to resolve a political stalemate and avert a descent into further chaos. Libya’s last decade has been marked by turbulence since its bifurcation in 2014, which saw the emergence of two competing administrations following the NATO-supported ousting of Muammar Qaddafi in 2011.
The discussions, taking place in Bouznika near Rabat, involve the High Council of State, representing the western region from Tripoli, and the House of Representatives, which operates from Benghazi in the east. At the onset of the meeting, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized the importance of collaboration among participants in order to uphold Libya’s unity and lay the groundwork for “credible elections.”
Bourita asserted, “The numerous international and regional conferences on Libya will not replace the inter-Libyan dialogue which has credibility and ownership.” The political efforts to heal years of chronic division and violence have stagnated since the anticipated elections of December 2021 were derailed by disputes surrounding candidate qualifications.
The House of Representatives has held its role since being elected in 2014 for a four-year mandate intended to oversee Libya’s political transition. Meanwhile, the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement, finalized in Morocco’s Skhirate, resulted in the establishment of the High State Council as a secondary advisory chamber. However, the House of Representatives subsequently established its own government, claiming that the mandate of the national unity government’s prime minister had lapsed, thus perpetuating Libya’s east-west divide.
Libya has experienced significant instability since the overthrow of Muammar Qaddafi in 2011, leading to a divided state characterized by two primary governing bodies: the High Council of State and the House of Representatives. These divisions have resulted in prolonged conflict and governance challenges. The abortive elections planned for December 2021 marked a significant setback in the political process, creating an urgent need for reconciliation and effective governance. Morocco has emerged as a venue for dialogue between these rival institutions, seeking to facilitate unity and political stability in Libya.
The resumption of negotiations between Libya’s rival delegations in Morocco represents a crucial step toward resolving ongoing political deadlock and enhancing the prospect of stability within the country. The complex history of division and conflict necessitates a commitment to a unified approach and credible electoral processes moving forward. The involvement of international stakeholders underscores the necessity for an inter-Libyan dialogue to facilitate effective governance and restore peace in Libya.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
