Unity at last: Is Libya's damaging power struggle at an end?
For over a decade, Libya has been split between two opposing governments. Elections, meant to end the rivalry and unite the country, are now scheduled within two years.
After years of conflict and political division, Libya's leaders have finally reached an agreement to hold parliamentary and presidential elections within the next two years. The United Nations supports mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stated that the electoral commission will be restructured and various points about the legal framework for the elections that previously led to disagreements have now been resolved.
However, the success of these elections remains uncertain as foreign actors and foreign powers continue to influence the outcome. Former Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown in 2011, and the country has been split into two opposing governments since then, one in the east and one in the west. Despite these efforts, attempts to hold an election that would unite the country have failed.
While the UN process is inclusive, the American approach aims to broker a deal between the country's elites. However, experts warn that this could institutionalize the existing rivalry between Libya's ruling elites and lead to corruption and patronage systems. Moreover, the division of the country into east and west could see the eastern half lose power if elections are held.
The Libyan people's interest in ending the dysfunction and the country's rich resources and energy reserves, coupled with the challenges of power outages and inadequate public services, pose significant hurdles for a united government.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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