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Libya's Election Crisis: Why Mass Protests Demand Immediate Presidential Vote

Libya's parliament speaker is pushing for immediate presidential elections following widespread protests. Citizens across multiple regions demonstrated peacefully to demand their right to choose political leadership. The country has been divided between rival governments since Gaddafi's fall in 2011. Quick elections are seen as crucial for national unity and preventing further political fragmentation.

Key Points: Libyan Parliament Speaker Calls for Immediate Presidential Elections

  • Saleh supports peaceful demonstrations demanding faster presidential elections across Libya
  • Elections aim to preserve national unity and prevent continued political division
  • Protests occurred in eastern and southern cities demanding right to choose leadership
  • Libya remains split between rival governments in Tripoli and eastern administration
2 min read

Libyan parliament speaker calls for immediate presidential election

Aguila Saleh urges rapid presidential elections amid nationwide protests, aiming to end Libya's political division and establish stable governance after years of conflict.

"the will of the Libyan people, which constitutes the source of authority - Aguila Saleh's statement"

Tripoli, Nov 29

Aguila Saleh, speaker of Libya's eastern-based House of Representatives, called on Libya's High National Elections Commission to immediately implement the law on direct presidential elections and hold the presidential vote as soon as possible.

In a statement published on the official Facebook page of the speaker's media office on Friday, Saleh expressed the parliament's support for the peaceful demonstrations that took place across several Libyan regions on Friday evening, demanding the acceleration of the presidential elections, Xinhua news agency reported.

The statement stressed that the demonstrations reflect "the will of the Libyan people, which constitutes the source of authority."

Saleh emphasised that expediting the elections aims to preserve the country's unity and its institutions, prevent continued division, and meet citizens' aspirations to build a stable state.

Earlier on Friday, several Libyan cities, including those in eastern and southern regions, witnessed large peaceful demonstrations in which citizens demanded the swift holding of presidential elections and the right to choose their political leadership.

Since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been split between two rival governments -- the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and the eastern-based administration appointed by the House of Representatives and headed by Osama Hammad.

In an official statement issued this Friday evening, the Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mesbah Douma Awhida, affirmed full support for the popular movement demanding the acceleration of presidential and parliamentary elections, calling on the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) to take immediate action.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Peaceful protests demanding elections - reminds me of our own democratic journey. Hope the international community supports their democratic aspirations without interference. The Libyan people deserve to choose their leaders.
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Aditya G
While elections are crucial, I'm concerned about the timing. Rushing elections without proper security and voter education could lead to more chaos. They need to ensure all regions are properly represented and safe voting can occur.
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Sarah B
The people's will should always prevail! Seeing citizens across different regions unite for democracy is inspiring. Hope they achieve what they're fighting for - a stable, unified government. ✨
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Vikram M
After more than a decade of conflict, Libya desperately needs political stability. Elections could be the turning point. India should offer technical assistance for election management - we have the world's largest democratic experience!
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Michael C
The unity of purpose shown by Libyans across regions is remarkable. When people come together like this, change becomes inevitable. Wishing them success in their democratic journey.

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