Libya rivals agree roadmap for elections within 24 months

Libyan political parties have reached a deal to hold national elections within two years, aiming to resolve long-standing disputes over electoral laws and reform the elections body. The agreement was signed in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, following talks involving representatives from the four main institutions in Libya: the Government of National Unity, the High Council of State, the House of Representatives, and the Libyan National Army.

The political process, which has been stalled since a December 2021 election was called off due to disagreements over candidate eligibility, seeks to hold legislative and presidential elections under a single executive authority and unified national institutions. If the House of Representatives and High Council of State do not approve the deal within a month, the agreement will be pushed forward as a constitutional document through broader national mechanisms and international backing via the U.N.

Security Council. For over a decade, Libya has struggled with instability and security issues following a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that split the country into eastern and western factions in 2014. Although there has been little major warfare since a 2020 ceasefire, many Libyans remain skeptical about the willingness of the political players to engage in a vote that could result in most of them losing their authoritative positions.