Libyan lawmaker challenges presidential council’s referendum powers

In an exclusive interview with Sputnik News Agency, House of Representatives member Ali Al-Takbali voiced strong opposition to the Presidential Council’s recent actions, asserting that the Council lacks constitutional authority to enact legislation or organise referendums.

“The head of the Presidential Council is behaving as though he were the nation’s leader, when in fact he holds no such position,” Al-Takbali stated firmly.

He detailed the Council’s composition, explaining that it consists of nine members – three representing the House of Representatives and six from different Libyan regions – and emphasised that any Council decision requires unanimous approval from all members, as mandated by the political agreement.

The parliamentarian took particular issue with the Council’s attempt to issue referendum laws, describing it as a direct violation of the High National Elections Commission’s authority.

He warned that the Council President’s actions not only breach legal boundaries but could potentially be aimed at destabilising the country to weaken the House of Representatives’ position.

Al-Takbali urged decisive parliamentary action, calling for the Council President’s removal from office. He emphasised that the House of Representatives possesses the legal authority to take such measures and suggested referring the President’s alleged violations to the Attorney General for potential criminal prosecution.