Egypt has welcomed the results of the vote to choose the executive authority by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), which has been held in the Swiss city of Geneva.
The LPDF meeting, which has taken place under United Nations (UN) auspices, expressed its aspiration to work with the Libyan Interim Authority during the coming period. This collaboration will continue until the handover of power to the elected government, following the elections scheduled for 24 December 2021.
Ahmed Hafez, Spokesperson for Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised the UN’s efforts in sponsoring Libya’s political process.
He urged Libyans to continue to uphold the supreme interests of their country, as well as all international and regional parties to support this peaceful path. Settling this crisis contributes to restoring stability in Libya, leading to a halt in foreign interference in its affairs, and allowing the country to have sovereignty over its territory.
On Friday, the UN Support Mission to Libya announced the results of the vote by LPDF members, in the elections for the positions of the Presidential Council and the transitional government.
The third list won the vote, ensuring that: Muhammad Yunus Al-Menfi becomes head of the Presidential Council; Abdel Hamid Dbeiba becomes head of the government; and Musa Al-Koni and Abdullah Al-Lafi take up roles as members of the Presidency Council.
Following the vote, the UN Special Acting Envoy Stephanie Williams said that the challenges are not over yet, and that the next government should be formed and present its programme within 21 days.
Williams added that the rest of the existing political bodies will be considered null as soon as the government commences its duties. She highlighted the need to adhere to the roadmap drawn up by members of the Political Dialogue Forum “with concrete actions”, whilst respecting and reflecting unity and the inclusiveness of everyone.
Williams stressed that the next Libyan government should implement the ceasefire agreement declared by the two parties to the conflict last August, and that “mercenaries must leave”.
In addition, the government must allow women to fill 30% of executive positions, and provide full support to the National Elections Commission
The UN envoy called for the launch of “comprehensive national reconciliation and promoting a culture of forgiveness, reparation, compensation and truth-seeking” after the recent conflict.
