UN survey reveals mixed views on Libya’s path to elections

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has released the results of a nationwide opinion poll that gathered responses from more than 22,500 Libyans over a two-month period. The survey aimed to measure public views on the political process and possible ways forward.

According to the findings, 42% of participants said holding presidential and parliamentary elections at the same time, and as soon as possible, is the best way to end the current political stalemate.

Around 23% supported a proposal to dissolve existing institutions and convene a national dialogue forum to appoint a new interim authority. This option also includes electing a 60-member body to draft an interim constitution and electoral laws to pave the way for national elections.

Meanwhile, 17% favoured completing a permanent constitution before organising any elections.

Broader Participation

UNSMIL said the survey included contributions from young people, women, cultural groups, and persons with disabilities. In addition, more than 2,400 participants joined in-person and online consultations with community leaders, civil society organisations, unions, youth representatives and women’s groups.

Those community consultations showed stronger support for dissolving institutions and holding a new political dialogue compared to the online survey.

A separate telephone poll of 1,400 randomly selected Libyans suggested that many respondents prioritised finishing the constitution first. Some also said they had not heard about the Advisory Committee or its proposals.

Roadmap Options

The mission explained that the Advisory Committee presented four main options:

• holding presidential and parliamentary elections first, followed by work on a constitution;
• convening a dialogue forum under Article 64 of the Political Agreement;
• electing 60 members to approve constitutional provisions and election laws leading to elections;
• completing the constitution first, then holding elections.

A fifth option discussed was to hold parliamentary elections first, then draft the constitution, followed by presidential elections.

UNSMIL said the roadmap is designed to reflect the views expressed by Libyans in order to help achieve a peaceful political transition that takes into account the country’s political and security realities.