Libya electoral body reviews reform proposals

The UN’s acting envoy to Libya, Stephanie Khoury, has confirmed preparations are advancing for an advisory committee to examine electoral reform options amid ongoing disputes over voting legislation.

The announcement came during talks between Ms Khoury and Libyan political, social and media representatives on Friday. The discussions focused on the UN mission’s political strategy, which aims to address fundamental conflict drivers and broader political, economic and security challenges across the country.

Ms Khoury emphasised the vital role of Libyan involvement in the reform process. “True national ownership of this comprehensive approach is essential as we seek to maintain stability, unify institutions and restore their legitimacy to strengthen the state, whilst building upon existing Libyan legislative frameworks”, she said.

Participants expressed grave concerns over the nation’s current trajectory and risks of further fragmentation. They highlighted pressing issues including widespread corruption, shrinking civic space, human rights violations and press freedom restrictions, whilst stressing the critical need for a permanent constitution.

The initiative follows Ms Khoury’s mid-December Security Council briefing, where she presented proposals to break Libya’s political impasse. The strategy includes establishing a technical committee of Libyan experts to develop solutions for contested electoral legislation and accelerate the path to elections, complete with proposed guarantees, reassurances and specific timeframes.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​