Secretary-General, Concerned about Intimidation, Transparency in Libya House Vote, Stresses Need to Fulfil Aspirations of More than 2.8 Million Citizens

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General continues to closely follow developments in Libya, including the 1 March session of the House of Representatives, which held a vote of confidence on the appointment of a new Government.

The Secretary-General is concerned over reports that yesterday’s vote in the House of Representatives fell short of the expected standards of transparency and procedures, and included acts of intimidation prior to the session.

The Secretary-General reiterates the importance of preserving the unity and hard-won stability achieved since the signing of the Libyan ceasefire agreement in October 2020.  He stresses the need to fulfil the aspirations of more than 2.8 million Libyans who have registered to vote to choose their leaders through credible, transparent and inclusive elections on the basis of a sound constitutional and legal framework.

The Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Libya, Stephanie Williams, intends to invite, as soon as possible, a joint committee from the House of Representatives and the High State Council, to come together in order to establish a consensual constitutional basis that would lead to national elections as soon as possible.

The Secretary-General calls on all actors to refrain from taking any actions that could undermine stability and deepen divisions in Libya.