The High Coordinator for Foreign and Security Policies of the European Union, Josep Borrell, called on the Libyan authorities today, Friday, to develop a quick plan and a clear timetable for holding free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections, after it was confirmed that the vote in the elections that was scheduled for today was postponed.
Borrell said in a statement published by the European Union that the Libyan authorities should implement this as soon as possible, in full accordance with the agreed roadmap.
“Only elections can give Libya a chance to build a stable and prosperous future,” he added.
“The European Union fully supports the mediation being carried out by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Adviser to Libya, Stephanie Williams, and the work of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya,” he added, noting the Union’s readiness to continue working with Williams and the Libyan authorities to prepare for the electoral process.
five joint statement
While London, Paris, Washington, Berlin and Rome called in a joint statement today to set a new date for the Libyan presidential elections, expressing their support for the ongoing efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to enable the Libyans to hold free, fair and inclusive elections.
The statement, which was published by the British government on its website, said that the governments of the five countries had taken note of the postponement of the presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya, which were scheduled today, and the suggestion of a new date for holding them, calling on the relevant Libyan authorities to “respect the aspirations of the Libyan people in conducting immediate elections through Quickly determine the date of the poll and issue the final list of presidential candidates without delay.
Libya elections (file photo from AFP)
resolve differences
He also continued, “To avoid conflicts of interest and promote equal opportunities, candidates who occupy positions in public institutions should continue not to fill them until the election results are announced.”
The statement reiterated the call of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to resolve differences on emerging political or military issues without resorting to violence, stressing the readiness of the five governments “to hold accountable those who threaten stability or undermine the political and electoral process in Libya through violence or incitement to violence.”
He added, “We affirm that individuals or entities, inside or outside Libya, who obstruct, undermine, tamper or falsify the electoral process and the political transition will be held accountable and may be identified by the United Nations Sanctions Committee in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2571.”
Stephanie Williams (archive from AFP)
Unite the class and reject differences
Earlier today, the Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Libya, Stephanie Williams, called on the Libyans to unite, put aside differences and achieve a democratic transition in the country. “Let it be an occasion to resolve divisions and strengthen preparations for holding elections that will lead to unity, stability and legal institutions,” she wrote on Twitter, congratulating the Libyans on the 70th anniversary of their country’s independence.
The elections were scheduled to take place today, but the High Electoral Commission in Libya suggested postponing the elections for another month, and holding the polls on January 24, after the appeals stage faltered due to legal and political disputes.
