Takala wins second-round vote to retain High Council of State leadership

Mohamed Takala has secured a new term as president of Libya’s High Council of State after winning a second-round vote, with the newly re-elected leader urging closer cooperation with the House of Representatives to advance the country’s long-delayed electoral process.

Takala received 80 votes in the runoff election, defeating Belqasem Qzeit, who secured 56 votes, according to the council’s announced results.

The leadership contest initially featured five candidates: Takala, Qzeit, Salah Meitou, Abdulrahman Al-Swehli and Mustafa Al-Turaiki, before the vote proceeded to a second round between the two leading contenders.

The council also elected its new deputy leadership. Naji Mukhtar was chosen as first deputy speaker after obtaining 69 votes in a second-round contest against Hassan Habib. The first round had included Mukhtar, Habib and Taher Makni. Omar Boushah was elected as the council’s second deputy speaker.

Following his re-election, Takala addressed a message to the speaker and members of the House of Representatives, saying Libyans expect state institutions to work in a spirit of partnership to reach comprehensive agreements that would pave the way for national elections.

He reaffirmed the High Council of State’s commitment to the trilateral agreement reached by the leaders of Libya’s three principal institutions, describing it as a framework for completing outstanding national milestones.

Takala also reiterated the council’s support for renewing the legitimacy of Libya’s institutions through presidential and parliamentary elections conducted under an agreed constitutional basis that ensures the integrity of the electoral process and broad acceptance of the results.