Libya monarchy heir urges for restoration of 1951 constitution, nominates himself for president

BY Libyan Express Sep 09, 2017 - 10:36

Grandson of Idris Al-Sonoussi – the last King of Libya.

The grandson of Libya’s last king Idris al-Senussi has called for the restoration of the country’s 1951 post-independence Constitution, proposing that he himself lead the country’s transitional phase, Anadolu Agency reported.

“The safest and most effective way to a swift resolution that satisfies everybody in Libya is to resort to the 1951 Constitution because it is the only constitution that … represents constitutional and legal legitimacy in the country,” Mohamed al-Senussi told a news conference in the Tunisian capital Tunis late Thursday, referring to the constitution Libya adopted in 1951 after its independence from Italian occupation, Anadolu Agency added.

On how to implement this solution, al-Senussi said it must be done “under the auspices and leadership of a national consensus figure with social, historical, and political dimensions agreed to by all, and having no role in the current conflict.” According to Anadolu Agency.

He added: “I offer myself to play this role in a transitional phase through which the restructuring and building the state will take place”.

In October 1951, the Libyan National Assembly passed the country’s first Constitution, establishing a royal monarchy, with King Idris as its first head, Anadolu Agency indicated.

The monarchy and the constitution were abolished in 1969, after Col. Muammar Gaddafi overthrew the king in a coup.

Al-Senussi said he does not seek to restore the monarchy through this initiative nor establish himself as a new king, but to “leave the freedom of choice to the Libyan people,” added Anadolu Agency.

According to Al-Senussi, holding elections next year will not be possible “due to the difficult security situation”.

During a meeting in Paris on July 25, according to French President Manuel Macron, the head of Libya’s UN-backed unity government, Fayez al-Sarraj, and the commander of the self-styled “Libyan National Army” Khalifa Haftar — linked to the Tobruk-based parliament — agreed to a cease-fire, disarmament, the establishment of a unified army under civilian command, and holding parliamentary and presidential elections in 2018.

The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.