Rome talks address HNEC leadership changes

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya has announced that a key political working group has reached an agreement on restructuring the leadership of Libya’s electoral authority, in what is being described as a step forward in efforts to break the country’s prolonged political impasse.

In a statement reviewed by Libyan Express, UNSMIL said the so-called “4+4 Committee” concluded its meeting in Rome with a proposal to overhaul the board of the High National Elections Commission. The committee recommended that Libya’s Attorney General nominate a senior judicial figure, recognised for competence, integrity and neutrality, to serve as chair of the commission, replacing current head Emad Al-Sayeh. The appointment would be made in line with applicable legal procedures.

The proposed new board would include six members drawn equally from Libya’s rival legislative bodies. Representing the House of Representatives are Ali Al-Tayea, Haitham Al-Tabouli and Ali Abu Salah, while Sana Al-Lishani, Badawi Mohammed and Ali Al-Mabrouk have been nominated by the High Council of State.

UNSMIL said participants underlined the urgency of ending the political stalemate that has stalled progress towards national elections. They stressed the importance of responding to public demand for a vote, noting that approximately 2.8 million Libyans are already registered on the electoral roll.

The meeting also addressed outstanding issues related to the legal framework governing elections. The mission confirmed that discussions would continue under its facilitation, with the aim of reaching broadly accepted and implementable electoral laws.

Separately, Walid Al-Lafi, who led the delegation representing the Government of National Unity, described the outcome of the Rome talks as a “positive and significant step” towards resolving one of the main obstacles to holding elections.

He told local media that direct bilateral negotiations between Libyan parties had proven to be the most effective means of addressing political divisions. He added that the current atmosphere of dialogue could help sustain momentum in efforts to overcome remaining challenges in the political process.

The Rome agreement comes amid renewed international efforts to revive Libya’s stalled transition and pave the way for long-delayed national elections.